For some people, taking a nap during the day just isn’t an option.
To that end, do you find yourself wondering if your napping habit is good for you?
Are you curious about what exactly happens to your body when you nap every day?
If so, we talked to the experts, so read on to find out!
However, one out of every three Americans isn’t getting enough sleep, according to theCDC.
“The brain has to make up for a part of this loss by sleeping more than normal.”
Fortunately, there are ways that you might reduce your sleep debt, according to Kansagra.
“Naps can be one way of paying off that debt,” he continued.
After all,if you’re not sleeping enough, a lot can happen to your body.
“This drive builds throughout the day and then is discharged at night during sleep.”
“Your mood may improve,” she shared withThe List.
“A short nap may make it easier to regulate your emotions and ward off depression.”
And we could all use a bit of that right now.
“Napping may lead to longer periods of time in restorative slow-wave and REM sleep,” Poston continued.
Or perhaps this was the year you finally got serious about that daily yoga practice.
“you’re able to improve your physical stamina,” he revealed toThe List.
“Research has shown that the stamina and performance increases in athletes after a 30-minute nap.”
Who knew your power nap could help you lift heavier weights?
Ideally, however, athletes should make getting enough sleep every night a priority, according toVerywell Fit.
It’s super important for peak performance!
Napping every day can make you more alert
Being present in your daily life is important.
That’s usually when the urge to catch some Zs hits, too.
Why is it so important to be alert anyway?
Want to lose weight?
As to what people are doing to slim down?
“Weight and hunger have been linked to sleep,” he toldThe List.
“Sleep deprivation is associated with increased caloric intake and higher weight.”
So what’s the specific mechanism at work here?
According to licensed physicianDr.
Leann Poston, when you’re tired, you might not make the best food decisions.
But if you’re well-rested from an afternoon siesta?
And that, of course, can help you lose excess weight.
Your job performance may improve if you nap daily
We get it.
Either way, you’ve got the option to’t really win, which means your productivity may suffer.
“The end result is a faster working brain that performs better.”
And who doesn’t need that right?
Worried about burnout?
This is especially the case if you work on a computer, according to certified sleep coachDr.
He’s not lying.
Do you immediately conjure an image of your high school math teacher?
That’s because dozing off in the daytime can help keep you sharp, as noted by licensed physicianDr.
“You may find it much easier to solve problems,” she shared withThe List.
“Less than ten minutes and more than 30 to 40 minutes of napping has lower benefits.”
That’s all the more reason to schedule a siesta during the day.
What happens if you’re napping for longer than that?
You may struggle with cognition, as noted byDr.
Charlene Gamaldo, medical director of Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center.
For one, according to sleep expertDr.
Sujay Kansagra, you may find that napping interferes with your sleep schedule.
And that’s not something you need, on top of everything else.
Talk about a delicate balance.
Is napping good for your heart health?
According to theWorld Health Organization, the No.
1 cause of death around the world is cardiovascular disease.
That’s also the No.
1 cause of death in the United States, as noted by theCDC.
Well, wonder no more, as sleep expertDr.
Reena Mehrabroke it down after looking at the data.
You may wonder where you are and have a warped sense of time.
Plus, you feel just plain groggy.
As it turns out, there’s a reason for that, says Christopher Lindholst, chief executive ofMetronaps.
And that’s what makes you feel so groggy upon awakening.
She noted, “For these people, skipping their nap is a huge productivity killer.”
So don’t do it!
And you might learnhow to take a nap and not let it ruin a night’s sleep.
Of course, you don’t want to force it, especially if your sleep schedule is on point.
“Everyone’s different,” she continued.
“If you feel good, whatever you’re doing is fine.”
She’ll know what’s best for you.
