Napping… That’s for toddlers, right? It’s been a few decades since you pulled out your nap mat and fell asleep on a classroom floor somewhere!
Actually, there are many reasons that we shouldn’t give up naps in adulthood. Yes, we know you’re already over-scheduled and trying to cram more healthy activities into your jam-packed itinerary. But as you continue to make healthier decisions for yourself, a regular nap time might not be a terrible idea. Just check out the following reasons a nap can benefit you:
Naps are better than caffeine. Many of us reach for a cup of coffee when that afternoon slump hits. But too much caffeine can actually impair performance. According to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, a 15-20 minute nap is more effective than a dose of caffeine at boosting lagging energy.
A nap might improve your creativity. REM sleep has been associated with increased creativity and better focus. If you’re facing a difficult afternoon at work, a short nap on your lunch break might help you come up with solutions.
Naps are good for your heart. Research presented at the 2015 European Society of Cardiology conference showed that midday naps are associated with lowered blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.
Naps can boost your athletic ability. Stanford University researchers found that athletes who got at least 10 hours of sleep daily (including naps) performed better. And of course, it’s just common sense that you’re more likely to hit the gym when you have the energy to do so.
Naps can aid your weight loss efforts. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that people who get adequate sleep are less likely to be obese. This is probably due to sleep deprivation disrupting the hormones that regulate hunger and fat storage.
It’s not always possible to grab an afternoon nap, but explore your options. You might find that adding a 20-minute nap doesn’t disrupt your schedule as much as you thought, because you’re twice as productive once you’re feeling refreshed again.
For more advice on losing weight or living a healthy lifestyle, give us a call. We can help with advice on nutrition and more.
