The Benefits Of A Power Nap

January 11, 2008

Photo by Willem
power-nap.jpgA 20 minute power nap is like pushing the reset button.

Many people associate mid-day napping with laziness.   The truth is an afternoon power nap will supplement your normal sleep by providing rejuvenation.  It can help you function better throughout the remainder of the day and it has several health benefits.   

 A power nap can:

  • improve memory
  • lessen afternoon drowsiness
  • create more alertness, productivity, and energy level
  • reduce the risk of heart disease
  • reduce stress hormone levels
  • refresh the mind and improve creativity

But here are some things to keep in mind so that your nap doesn’t leave you feeling more tired than rejuvenated.  

Try to limit the power nap to 30 minutes, and never nap more than 90 minutes.   If your nap is too long, it may end up disrupting your nighttime sleep schedule.  Plus you don’t want to enter a normal sleep cycle without being able to complete it.  Doing so can result in grogginess, disorientation, and being sleepier than you were before the nap.  Also try to eliminate all sound and light from the room.  And never try to substitute your nap for a good night’s sleep.  While power naps can improve one’s health, they alone cannot keep you healthy. 

Technorati Tags: , ,

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share and Enjoy:
  • HealthRanker
  • StumbleUpon
  • Digg
  • Technorati
  • Google
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Blog, Health 

Comments

2 Responses to “The Benefits Of A Power Nap”

  1. Kavit Haria on January 11th, 2008 10:06 pm

    This is a great post. I frequently can close my eyes, do a quick body relaxation exercise and feel totally re-energised. Not exactly a power nap but I get a lot of energy and rest out a 15 minute session.

    Kavit

  2. Julie on January 12th, 2008 5:31 am

    Thanks, Kavit. A little mid-day relaxation is the key. Glad you stopped by. You have a very impressive blog, by the way.

Got something to say?