Boost Your Health With a Good Nap
By Tom Herrin
A lot of times, people are stuck with stereotypes. It is often in relationship to some kind of activity or habit. One of those that is commonly associated with some kind of deficiency is taking naps. Everyone knows that children have to take them. Many believe that people who are older fall asleep on a regular basis in the middle of the day. While that may happen on occasion, there is really no age limit as to the benefits of taking a nap. The main thing is that sleep is important and taking naps is a great way to supplement it. People push themselves pretty hard today, and some of them may pay a price for lack of sleep tomorrow. But a nap can do plenty of good things for health.
It May Help Prevent Diabetes
This is another one of those inverse benefits. In a University of Chicago study, men who slept 4.5 hours a day for four days were shown to have more fatty acids in their blood. This can cause blood sugars to be much higher than when they slept four hours longer. This is good news for those who may be struggling with diabetes. For those in this boat, a good nap at the right time during the day may serve as a great form of defense.
It May Improve Performance in Physical Activities
According to a Stanford study, athletes who got more sleep over a three-week period had considerably increased abilities. They had faster sprint times, lower heart rate, and longer endurance. Their overall workouts were better. It should be no surprise that sleep can make people more productive in a physical sense, but this study provides good support for those who may be skeptical.
It Help Avoid Delusions
I have had more experience than I would prefer with being sleep deprived. One of the major problems I have noticed is that when I had gone without sleep for a period of time, it was more difficult to separate reality from imagination. According to a study by the University of California at Irvine, people who fail to get adequate sleep have a greater likelihood of having memories that are not real. The value of taking a nap as part of a daily routine is great, and those naps don't have to be long. A few minutes at a time can produce good results.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Berkeley, Calif.