Take a Break and Nap!
By Donna Stark
We all know bodies need sleep, but at the same time, we are becoming busier and busier with our lives. With activities filling our schedules and limited hours in the day, sleep is usually the first thing we tend to cut back on, and the consequences of doing so can have devastating effects on the body. So what can be done to avoid that from happening? Perhaps, instead of taking things off your schedule to make yourself less busy, you can add something that will help … like a nap!
Naps Aren’t Only for Toddlers
Cutting back on a restful night of slumber can wear a body down and affects a person’s ability to stay healthy, be productive, and work out at an optimal level. But all of that can be avoided with just a little bit of time during the day. Here are some great reasons why everyone should consider letting their body catch up on rest by napping during the day.
- Boosts immune system - The immune system is designed to protect your body from colds, flu, and other illnesses, but when you lose sleep, it doesn’t function as well as it should. The consequences of this will not only lead to more sick days but will also impact how well your body fights those illnesses once you come down with them.
- Enhances productivity - Drinking coffee isn’t necessarily bad for you, but if you are drinking it all day to boost your energy levels you may want to consider alternative options. Napping has been shown to be more effective than caffeine when it comes to boosting productivity and creativity, and enhancing a person’s cognitive and learning skills.
- Improves workouts - Naps can enhance your workouts and play an important role in your fitness routine if you let them. They can improve coordination and balance, supply the energy needed to exercise at an optimal level, and help with the body’s recovery process after an intense workout.
Napping Strategies
There are so many benefits to be had by taking just a little amount of time to sleep during the day. Here’s how you can set yourself up to get the most from your naps.
- Choose the proper amount of time - You can choose either a short nap (20 to 30 minutes) to allow the body to restore without entering deep sleep, or a longer nap (90 minutes) to allow the body to complete an entire sleep cycle. Just don’t hang out in the middle if you want to avoid feeling tired and sluggish.
- Create the right environment - Choose a quiet, cool, and darkened room for optimal rest. Use eye masks or white noise machines to help you sleep.
Napping can be a hard habit to start, especially if you feel it’s a waste of time, but the benefits to your health and sanity are too important to ignore. So clear out a block of time on your daily schedule and see if napping works for you!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Scottsdale, Ariz.