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Napping Is Healthy If You Do It Right

By Paul Rothbart

It can be difficult to get children to do it but most adults love a good nap. A nap during the work day is not possible for everyone, but for the ever growing number of people with flexible hours, and work from home jobs, a little afternoon snooze is a viable option. I confess to frequently indulging in one myself. But, are naps good for you or can they cause problems? Some might feel that a midday nap is lazy, but there are benefits, provided you do it right. Here is the lowdown on napping.

Sleep Is Important

This is a fact known to all. Lack of sleep causes all kinds of physical and mental health issues, many serious. Research conducted by medical experts has shown the people with a predisposition to heart disease can lower that risk with the correct amount of sleep. Too little can increase the risk of heart attack. So, naps are good? However, the other side is that too much sleep can also increase the risk. So any naps should be planned and monitored carefully. 

When a Nap Can Be Beneficial

Obviously, any time a good night's sleep has not been achieved for whatever reason, a nap is generally a good idea. Napping before starting an unusually long shift at work can also be helpful in avoiding fatigue. A nap can provide relaxation on extra stressful days. A feeling of tiredness in the middle of the day is a good indicator that a nap will be beneficial. After awakening from a short nap, a feeling of greater alertness, better mood, and a refreshed mind and body can result. Experts recommend a nap of 10 to 20 minutes. In cases of extreme fatigue, a longer nap may be better, but caution should be taken to avoid the pitfalls of too long a nap.

The Downside of Napping Too Much

A short refreshing nap is one thing, but crashing for a couple of hours or more does not carry the same benefits, and in fact, can be harmful. It can be very difficult to reach a state of full wakefulness after a long nap. Grogginess tends to linger, the mind is foggy, and the body lethargic. It then becomes all too easy to give in and spend the rest of the day asleep. Not only can no tasks be accomplished while unconscious, but it will most likely have a negative impact on that night's sleep. This can easily turn into a vicious cycle of long naps with little sleep at night. 

An occasional nap can aid in providing the necessary sleep to function at full health. But be careful. Don't nap to avoid unpleasant tasks. Set an alarm to keep the nap to a reasonable length. Nap in a quiet place that will make the short snooze one of quality. Get the benefits of napping by doing it right. 

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractor in Cypress, Tex.

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