Finding Ways to Fill the Sleep Gaps May Be Healthy
By Tom Herrin
Same song, second verse may be the case for many people who have heard how they need to get eight hours of sleep per night in order to protect their health. While it sounds good, it doesn't really work for some people. Trying to stretch time as far as it will go is a common practice for many. In these cases, better health is still available by making the time and place to simply take naps. In many cases, a nap appears to be able to turn health problem around and put people back in better shape again.
It May Help Manage Stress
Lots of people have the image of someone taking a nap as being lazy. It may sometimes be the case, but it may actually serve a good purpose. Too many are stressed because of a variety of things. Stress can increase chances of chronic illnesses as well as general well-being. Heart diseases and things associated with it can rise. An Allegheny College study found that those who had taken naps had lower blood pressure after a difficult test than those who had stayed up all day. It is also believed that the heart's ability to recover is greater after resting, which is a critical part of good health.
It May Help Protect the Heart
The heart is affected by sleep as much as anything. A British study found that as little as one night of poor sleep can cause blood vessels to be stiffer. This means that they will not expand under pressure as needed which can damage the heart. The saving grace here is the fact that once people begin to get the needed sleep, much of this can be reversed. That nap can play a big role.
It Can Help Your Relationship with Others
We all know that when people are tired and sleep deprived, they appear to be more irritable. According to University of California, Berkeley researchers, one night of missing good sleep could cause arguments with a significant other to worsen. Part of this is believed to be due to the fact that when people lack sleep, they do not read others as well. That means there are likely to be more misunderstandings, and we all know what that leads to. So to save the chance of some of those relationship problems, take naps as needed. They don't have to be long, just well-timed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Colo.