Yes, napping benefits your health! Researchers have found that the brain needs rest and can refresh itself with a 20-minute power nap.
Of course, not everyone thinks they could take a nap in the middle of the day, but frequently we can. Some companies, including Google, Uber and other top performers, are including napping rooms or similar facilities in to their building designs.
Here are several proven and important benefits of a good power nap:
Helps with Stress: Stress hormone levels are lower in those who take naps. A short power nap leaves you feeling refreshed, renewed, and focused.
Increases Alertness and Productivity: Taking a 20-minute nap approximately eight hours after you have awaken will do more for your stamina than sleeping another 20 minutes in the morning.
Improves Memory and Learning: Napping protects brain circuits from overuse and neurons can consolidate what has been learned.
Helps Your Heart: Taking 40 winks in the middle of the day reduces the risk of heart disease. Countries where siestas are common have lower levels of heart disease.
Increases Cognitive Functioning: Over forty five minutes, the benefits of napping disappear; the recommendation is a fifteen to thirty five minute “power nap”. This is the time necessary for the brain neurons to recuperate.
Helps Motivation to Exercise: You will be able to exercise longer, faster, more efficiently when your body has its required amount of sleep.
Boosts Creativity: Power napping allows your brain to create the associations necessary for creative insights.
Makes up for Midnight Tossing and Turning: Sleep deprivation triggers a diabetes-like condition, harmed hormone production, and interferes with the ability to use carbohydrates. Power napping benefits someone who is getting insufficient sleep at night.
Protects You from Sleepiness: Naps are useful for shift workers, students, and anyone doing long-haul work.
Improves Overall Health: Napping benefits heart functioning, hormonal maintenance and cell repair. A power nap maximizes these benefits by getting you into and out of rejuvenating sleep as fast as possible.
Now, go take a nap…
I’ve been trying to tell my jobs this for a long time but they think I’m being silly! lol
Naps are so rejuvenating. Whoever decided that we had to cut out naps at a young age was wrong. Now, if you’re one of those people that can’t wake up from a nap and are groggy all day then maybe that’s not for them. I would totally add a nap room in if I ever own my own business. Happy, rested employees make productive employees!
I wish more employers thought like you, Stephanie!