Many often end up feeling guilty about that afternoon nap you took. While a quick nap can bring down your stress levels, it can be a symptom of a number of health issues as well. Well, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be taking a nap when you face overwhelming sleepiness during the afternoon.
Studies suggest that a quick nap can improve alertness and improve productivity as well. So, instead of being guilty, you should try to understand the nitty-gritty details so that you don’t feel groggier than you did before.
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Why Are You Sleeping at Noon?
This is the first question that you should answer. The siesta is more common in countries like Brazil and Mexico. However, a nap is a way of your body letting you be aware of issues. Some might be deprived of sleep at night while others may take a nap simply to pass time. Many people often take an afternoon nap so that they can avoid feeling sleep afterwards.
No matter why you decide to take a nap during the afternoon, you should follow some guidelines to get the most out of it.
Is There Any Drawback to An Afternoon Nap?
The siesta has it drawbacks as well. While you may not feel like taking an afternoon nap every day, you might need it badly on some days. Here are some of the drawbacks that you should be aware of:
When Should You Consider An Afternoon Nap?
Besides helping you to relax, a quick nap can increase alertness and improve mood as well. You will also experience improved performance and reduced fatigue once you go for a siesta. However, it is a daunting task to judge if your body really needs that nap. Here are some ways to identify the need of that nap:
Fatigue Experience: If you are experiencing fatigue or feeling extremely sleepy, you should definitely go for that nap.
Loss of Sleep: If you already know that you will be experiencing sleep loss towards the end of the day, a quick nap can help you stay alert.
Planned Naps: If you want to include naps in your daily routine, you should definitely plan to have them during the afternoon.
Is An Afternoon Nap Good for You?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Many studies suggest that a nap lasting up to 90 minutes can actually help you to relax and be more productive.
What truly matters is whether your body needs that siesta or not. If you have really exhausted yourself or will experience sleep loss, it is perfectly okay to go for that nap. Many incorporate a quick nap into their routine in order to revitalize themselves.
When you sleep for more than 90 minutes during the afternoon, it can leave you groggy which is also known as the sleep inertia. Unless your nap is closer to your bedtime, you willn’t be in trouble. Unless you experience any cognitive impairment or feel extremely tired, you may avoid sleeping in the afternoon. While napping in the afternoon is not essential, it can help you be at your best during the following hours.
