A Nap May Be Like a Miracle Pill
By Tom Herrin
There are not many things that really make a huge impact at once on health -- or much else for that matter. For those who burn that candle at both ends, there are rarely enough things to go around for health. Lack of sleep can wreck health, create safety hazards, and damage relationships. A good way to salvage some of that is simple. Take a good nap. A nap can actually provide some relief for people for lots of things. While it is often said that it is not possible to catch up on sleep, a nap may be able to make up for some things that are benefits of sleep.
It May Help to Make You Better Company
When people are short on sleep, they are often irritable and less likable. It seems that their judgement is impaired. Some University of California, Berkeley research indicated that as little as one night of poor sleep may worsen arguments between couples. It is thought that they are less able to read one another's emotions. A nap may help to reset their senses and create a more pleasant environment for congenial communication.
It May Help Protect from Chronic Illnesses
The correlation between lack of sleep and illness is pretty well known. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who sleep less than six hours per night are at much higher risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It is thought that those who fail to get enough sleep tend to be more stressed. A nap may provide just enough shut-eye to relieve some of that.
It May Keep Your Thinking Straight
We have all had the experience of being so tired that we see things. The fact is that we can see all kinds of things as we drift between the conscious and unconscious. I have had that happen when I have been driving while extremely tired. A study from the University of California, Irvine found that when people go without sleep, they are more likely to see things that are not there. In the study, people thought they saw things in pictures that were not there but they had read about. A nap can do wonders if we will take the time out when we are really tired. It may be a great investment of our time and provide a real boost to our health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sparks, Nev.