Studies show that short daytime dozes are beneficial for both the mind and body.
Here are some fun facts we’ve uncovered about napping from around the world.
#10 – There Are Three Types Of Nappers
Habitual Nappers: People who nap at the same time every day
Planned Nappers: Folks who plan to take a snooze before they get tired
Emergency Nappers: People who wait until they are so tired that they have to stop what they’re doing to take a nap
#9 – What’s Better, A Cup Of Coffee Or A Nap?
Coffee might be the easier option when it comes to getting a midday boost, but it isn’t necessarily the best one.
Although caffeine makes you feel more alert (and you can’t add cream and sugar to a nap), the energy effects of coffee eventually wear off.
This “crash” can leave you feeling more tired than before, making napping a better option for long-term relief.
#8 – NASA Says Naps Work
NASA conducted a study on fatigued astronauts and military pilots.
It found that a 40-minute doze improved the pilot’s performances by 34% and alertness by 100%, (this is longer than the average recommended nap time, discover more below).
If you want to snooze like an astronaut try the zero gravity position on Tomorrow’s Adjustable Base.
#7 – Are Naps as Important as Exercise?
Dr. James B. Maas, a psychologist and sleep researcher believes that like exercise, napping is essential to good health and should be prioritized as such. The benefits of napping include:
- Increased alertness
- Increased reaction time
- Improved mood
- Improved performance
- Reduced fatigue
#6 – Humans and Animals Don’t Nap the Same Way
The overwhelming majority of mammals are polyphasic sleepers.
That is, they sleep for short periods throughout the day.
Humans are unusual because we have two distinct periods of the day: wakefulness and sleep.
Naps are the exception.
We are also the only mammals who willingly put off sleep and make plans to nap.
#5 – You Can Prevent Post-Nap Grogginess
Naps longer than 20 minutes have the potential to make you feel groggy and can affect the quality of your night-time sleep.
Instead, try taking a 15 – 20 minute power nap for a quick, midday boost.
#4 – New Parents Should Take A Cue From Their Babies
Dr Michael Thorpy and Dr. Shelby Freedman Harris of the Sleep-Wake Disorders Center recommend that parents try to sleep at the same time as their babies.
For example, napping at the same time as your baby is sleeping is a great way to counteract sleep deprivation.
#3 – Sex Puts You To Sleep
According to an “Ask Men” survey, the majority of men like to get intimate (snacking came in second) before taking a nap.
This is most likely due to oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that is released by both men and women during sex, making it easier to relax and fall asleep afterward.
When oxytocin, prolactin and melatonin all come together, you have the trifecta for a fantastic snooze.
#2 – Napping Around The World
The Japanese respect workplace naps so much that they even have a name for them, “inemuri.”
The word translates to, “to be asleep while present.”
It is believed that workers are sacrificing nightly sleep to work harder and longer, making falling asleep at the office socially acceptable.
In Japan, people have been known to fake napping to look committed to their jobs.
Many European cultures also favor the midday snooze, with “siestas” originating in Spain thousands of years ago.
Some American businesses are beginning to realize the benefits of napping.
Google headquarters has “nap pods” that block out both sound and light.
#1 – There Is An Ideal Time For Napping
Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley determined that the best time for napping is in the middle of your wake-cycle.
So, the next time you schedule a nap aim for eight hours after waking and eight hours before bedtime.
