Squeezing in one siesta a day could revitalize you and refill your brainpower. Modern culture will inform us that naps are for kids and seniors. The adult working population doesn’t nap! Or do they?

In Spain, 41.1% of Spaniards takes a siesta during the week. The average length of sleep is around one hour. That’s a lot of napping!

Did you know that a mid-day sleep means increased learning, better health, more efficiency, better reaction time, less stress and more patience? Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of napping.

Prevents heart issues

A night of regulated biphasic sleep can lower adrenaline levels within the body. It could also control the stress signals, which initiate high blood pressure and palpitations. What’s more, it could help with tissue repair and weight loss too.

A big study found that those who took a nap consistently led to a 37% decrease in coronary mortality. That same study also found that people who occasionally napped had a 12% decrease in coronary mortality. It can be helpful to nap to take care of your heart.

It improves your productivity

I used to hear the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” It applies to napping as well. After a few hours of working straight on our tasks, our mind starts to slowly burn out. Taking a nap may help give it the rest it needs.

A study found that a sixty-minute nap after doing tasks helped the participates regain the productivity that they lost. The break allowed their minds to process all the information that they had learned throughout the day.

It enhances mood

It’s real for adults and kids alike. Catnaps are strong mood boosters. If something doesn’t go the way, you expected it to, feel free to sleep on it. Aim for 10-20 minutes for a nap. Anything longer will make you feel groggy from the nap.

Aside from that, sleep-deprived individuals are often sulky and moody. If you take a small snooze break, it could help you re-focus your priorities and improve your mood substantially.

It lowers the stress level

A small doze between the hectic hours could help make you feel mentally and physically alert. It has a massive effect on the cortisol levels too.

Individuals who get sufficient sleep regularly have fewer stress levels. Snoozing by taking a nap could help you unwind by reducing your cortisol levels. So, make sure you take short pauses from work to snooze a bit. Doing this can lower the levels of stress significantly.

You will find many benefits from regular napping. Everybody could enjoy such by finding the proper napping environment for themselves. Pick a time, put on your eye mask, and find a comfortable place to rest. Happy rest!

Wen Soon

Wen is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach who helped people change their behaviors. He brings experience from educating people about their physical health, nutrition, sexual health, and substance use. As a coach, he has worked with over one hundred clients in changing their tobacco use and had over five hundred conversations as a crisis counselor.