Getting through the afternoon after a productive morning without falling asleep is very difficult for some people. An afternoon nap might also be part of your routine. In Spain, many people take a siesta (afternoon nap). Is an afternoon nap good for you and does it provide a boost for the rest of the day?
Also read: Night owl or morning person? This is what it says about your personality
Benefits of an afternoon nap
Research from National Institutes of Health and Oxford University confirms that an afternoon nap has an activating effect, making you more productive for the rest of the day. That’s not the only benefit of an afternoon nap. It reduces the risk of heart failure, ensures a better hormonal balance (making you more creative and alert), reduces stress and has a positive influence on your memory. These are many positive effects, but is this the case with every type of afternoon nap?
How long should your nap last?
When you sleep for an hour or more in the afternoon, you are in a deep sleep. When you are in a deep sleep, it is difficult and annoying to wake up and be productive again. An afternoon nap of longer than half an hour also increases the risk of premature death by 30 percent. But how long should you nap? A 20-minute nap is just right, so set an alarm when you take a power nap. This way you will not fall into a deep sleep and it will not be difficult to wake up, but you will still have some rest.
When is the best time to nap?
An afternoon nap at the end of the day is not a good idea, as it will make it more difficult for you to fall asleep in the evening. It is best to nap before four o’clock. The best times are around two or three o’clock. If you are very tired after four and need a nap, it is a better idea to go to sleep early than to take an afternoon nap.
Insomnia
Do you suffer from insomnia? Then we do not recommend an afternoon nap. Catching up on sleep in the afternoon because you didn’t sleep well at night is not a good idea. If you suffer from insomnia, it is good to build up fatigue throughout the day. Then you will be more tired in the evening and you will fall asleep sooner.
So is an afternoon nap healthy?
An afternoon nap is healthy if you do it correctly. No longer than twenty minutes and no later than four hours, then you’re good. Do you need an afternoon nap every day and are you tired all day long? Then it is a good idea to inform your GP.
