Benefits of Napping

Who doesn't like a sweet nap? People desire for sleep twice a day once at night and once 8 hours after you wake up in the morning that regulated by circadian biological clock and sleep/wake homeostasis.

However it is traditionally frowned upon our society to take a break or slow down and discourage taking nap during day at work and school.

It is natural phenomenon that we feel drowsy during day and that's when we need to step back and take a nap. Also there are researches that have proven the benefits of napping. Napping when done right way can balance hormones naturally and improve mental and physical performance.

1. Improves Cognitive Function

Researches from a 2007 published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that a power nap improves aleartness and aspects of mental and physical performances. The results showed that the group of men who napped experienced better improvements in alertness, short-term memory, infra-aural temperature and heart rate.

2. Improves Heart Health

A study conducted by the University of Athens Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who took naps regularly on average had lower coronary mortality than those who didn't.

3. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

A 2012 study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism researched the stress-related effects in adults of two short naps taken during the day and the ability to repair some of the damage caused by a poor night's sleep of just two hours.

4. Fights Food Cravings

Being tired is notorious for leading to increased hunger and food cravings. When the afternoon hits, many people have a sweet addiction and crave chocolates, sweets or coffee to keep them going and resolve issues associated with unstable blood sugar.

5. Improves Physical Performance

Studies have found a correlation between short naps and improved athletic abilities, including faster sprint times and better motor reaction. Results show that athletes who take short naps perform better on the field, improving their motor reaction skills and speed.

Reference from https://draxe.com/power-nap/


Reference
https://draxe.com/power-nap/
http://www.littlethings.com/benefits-of-napping/?utm_source=cheryl&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=health

Image
http://nicholasferguson.org/3-benefits-of-taking-naps-and-how-they-improve-your-life/

Writer
James Cho
eungil.cho@students.mq.edu.au