7 Health Benefits Of Napping

7 Reasons Why You Should Take A Nap

1. Tired people tend to eat fatty and unhealthy foods. Getting enough sleep can help you lose weight.
2. Taking a restful nap can help you focus and improve your memory.
3. You are more productive after a short nap.
4. Adequate rest helps you stay younger.
5. Napping reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
6. Napping puts you in a good mood! (Inadequate rest can cause irritability)
7. A short rest such as a restful nap helps you relax and reduces stress levels.

How To Get A Good Restful Nap

Not only is the nap important, but so is the process of waking up. Here are some tips for your next nap:

• Choose the right time:  a nap at noon or after eating can give you an energy boost . But if you sleep it too late you can mess up your sleep cycles at night.
• Have a coffee before napping:  since it takes your body 20 minutes to process the caffeine in coffee, you can have a cup before going to sleep: when you wake up, coffee will give you even more energy.
• Comfort is important: if you work from home, it is easy to nap at mealtime, since you can take it in bed or on the sofa. But sleeping it at work is more complicated. There may be a room you can use. If not, you will have to settle for the work table (cross your arms on the table and rest your head on it) or lie down on the chair as much as you can. Some soothing music can help to muffle background noises.
• Get the blood circulating: blood  pressure can drop after a nap, people sometimes feel more tired than before. That is why it is important that you stimulate circulation after a nap: it is best to drink a glass of water or do some exercise. Going up some stairs or doing some stretching are two good ways to get your heart going.

Studies Show Naps Help Memory

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) together with the National Institute for Space and Biomedical Research have conducted studies on the power of napping in astronauts. Their results proved that taking short naps can have a positive effect on memory.

In summary: if you want to get up from a nap with renewed energy it is important that you sleep and not just close your eyes. Of course, it is not that easy, but with practice you will get used to it.