I’ve been travelling in Spain, where every day in marked with an afternoon siesta. Good luck finding a café or shop that’s open when naptime rolls around each day!
But are naps healthy? Or should you avoid a little lie down during the day?
When napping is healthy
Studies have shown than napping is brilliant for boosting productivity. In fact, leading universities and corporations are now initiating designated nap times to help students and staff squeeze in a snooze for an energy hit (source).
Other research suggests that naps can improve memory and cognitive function, as well as boost creativity and lower stress. Siestas have also been shown to improve heart health and reduce inflammation (source)
And if you usually nap to improve your productivity and energy, it’s good to continue this to avoid reaching for other ‘fixers’ such as caffeine, sugary energy drinks, or sweet snacks.
So what’s the trick to a healthy snooze?
Limit it to between 15 and 30 minutes, to avoid that dreaded groggy feeling that arises after sleep inertia.
When napping is unhealthy
On the flip side, napping can be hazardous to our health.
Long daytime snoozes of more than an hour could increase our risk of developing diabetes – another reason to stick to a shorter siesta when you need it (source).
A daytime nap is also considered ‘bad’ if you suffer from insomnia, or are frequently fatigued during the day. Constant grogginess could be a sign of underlying health problems, so you should see a doctor or health practitioner for a check-up to ensure your naps aren’t a sign of something more serious.
So what’s the message here?
Enjoy a short siesta if you need one, and if it helps you be more alert and productive during the day. If you find you need more sleep or are still tired, speak to a health professional.
