According to a 2020 survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adults nationwide don’t get the recommended seven hours or more of sleep each night. This lack of sleep can be associated with health risks such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes or mental disorders, among others.
Not only is it important what time we sleep, but also how we sleep when we are in bed. It’s normal to have a bad night’s sleep every now and then, but when it becomes an occasional problem, it can lead to serious health problems.
Naps: what are the benefits for the body and mind?
Short naps, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, are beneficial in many cases. They can give us energy without leaving us groggy and do not disrupt our nighttime sleep, allowing us to achieve completely normal sleep.
This brief habit not only benefits rest, but is also associated with better performance, better memory and a lower risk of cardiovascular or chronic diseases, such as obesity.
On the other hand, people who take long naps have a higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure. Naps longer than 90 minutes may even increase the risk of stroke.
Poorly adapted naps: negative consequences
A nap does not count as deep, restorative sleep. If we take a short nap, less than 90 minutes, we may not reach the rest phases, which are the most beneficial for our body. On the other hand, if we take a long nap, it can cause even more problems.
People who take long naps are more likely to suffer a stroke. In addition to not being beneficial for our health, these prolonged naps do not allow us to fully rest, which results in persistent fatigue.
It is also essential not to make naps a necessity. If you are constantly tired or have trouble getting through the day without a nap, you should consult a sleep specialist, who can help you get the rest you need.
Naps, a balance to find
In summary, naps are good when they are short. It is important not to overdo it so as not to disrupt our nighttime sleep and to prevent health problems associated with prolonged naps.
It’s true that we often need a revitalizing nap to improve our mood, but it’s important to know this information for different questions like finding out why we don’t sleep well at night or why we should reduce our nap time.
If you want to know more about sleep and how to improve its quality, consider consulting a sleep specialist who can provide you with personalized advice.
I’m a big fan of short stories about people – I’m a pro at tech and smartphones, serial literature, and writing in my spare time.