Importance of afternoon naps for adults
Afternoon naps are not just for babies. Studies show that afternoon naps are great for adults too. A short nap in the mid-afternoon is really important for your brain functions.
Sleep in general is known to have lots of health benefits. They include better heart functions, hormonal maintenance and cell repair. It’s also known to improve cognitive function as well as boosting memory.
Here are some reasons why you should consider incorporating naps into your daily schedule:
1.It improves memory
Studies show that naps play an important role in storing memories. It helps one in taking and retaining information better.
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It can help you remember things you learnt earlier in the day. Napping prevents one from forgetting skills learnt and solidifies memories.
2.It helps in learning
Taking a nap also helps to clear information out of the brain’s temporary storage areas and creates room for new information to be absorbed. When taken regularly, naps improve certain types of learning like the ability to tell the difference between similar things like images and textures.
3.It lifts your mood
If you are not having the best day, try taking a nap. It will lift your spirits. However only take naps for 30 minutes or less. Longer naps may leave you feeling more tired and even sleepier, a condition called sleep inertia.
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If you take a longer nap, you will require more time to transition back to work which can make you to become grumpy.
4. It helps prepare for a long night ahead
Having travel plans for a night or two means that you won’t be getting enough sleep. You are better off napping ahead of time to prepare than taking several cups of caffeine. Compared to caffeine, napping helps you to have better rest.
5.It helps reduce stress
If you are under pressure, a nap can help alleviate some of that stress and improve your immune health. Experts believe that a nap can help reduce stress hence protect the heart from stress. A study found out that people who napped for 45 to 60 minutes had lower blood pressure after going through mental stress.
Hence a nap can help your body recover from pressure that causes stress.
6.Naps can help with sleep at night
Taking a nap between one and three in the afternoon may help you sleep better at night especially when combined with moderate exercises like a walk and stretch in the evening. This is efficient for older adults who struggle with insomnia.
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