The Power of Naps

By: Jeff Conklin
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:40:54
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

What do Albert Einstein, JFK, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have in common? They all believed in napping, and, as it turns out, the all had the right idea.

The body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, dips naturally in the afternoon, generally between 12:00-2:00. Evidence shows that the brain actually falls into a lull, indicating that the propensity to nap is actually inborn. Further substantiating this belief is that most people can drop off quickly and sleep deeply during this portion of the afternoon than other times of the day.

Sleep experts believe that a mid-afternoon nap of just 20-30 minutes can boost mental alertness and concentration significantly, and it can actually put you in a better mood. Fifteen minutes does not produce a measurable difference, and if you sleep much longer, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.

Studies further demonstrate that afternoon napping is an effective way for people to make up for not getting enough sleep at night. In fact, if you want to make up for lost sleep during the night, it’s far better to nap than to sleep late in the morning. Too much sleep in one single stretch can throw your internal clock off and cause further sleep problems.

It’s also best to keep your body on a schedule, waking up at the same time each morning and going to bed at the same time each night. The average nighttime sleep ideal seems to be from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. That is the norm, but everyone is different.

Some people require just seven hours of sleep per night, others, like me, need a full nine. This is a pre-determined factor that really cannot be changed, so it’s best to find your natural rhythm and go with it. If it seems to include a mid-afternoon catnap, by all means try to fit it into your schedule. You’ll likely notice a difference in your level of production and you’ll feel better too.

Contour is the brand leader in ergonomic products designed specifically for comfort and support. Products include orthopedic pillows, cushions, chair pads, mattress pads and more. Visit Contour Living for more information on solutions to improve posture, sleep better, correct support problems and live more comfortably.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Stress Management category

  • Stress And Anxiety The Killer Among Us - By: Daniel Richard
    We all know that stress and anxiety is bad for us, but in the society we live in, people just don't have the time to deal with it. We tend to go on and try to deal with it until it effects our health, then we seek help. This article will show that there are techniques you can do in the comfort of your own home.
  • Hypnosis Techniques for Relaxation that you can do yourself - By: Cristian Stan
    Do you find that you are suffering from a large amount of stress in your daily life? Is anxiety too frequent during your day? Do you ever wish that there was a way for you to relax and it wasn't going to eat up a huge amount of time or completely empty out your wallet?
  • The Secret to Combating Money Anxiety - By: Helaine Z. Harris, MA, MFT
    Are you, or anyone you know, struggling with feelings of anxiety because of money? Learn the critical skills necessary to overcome these feelings and succeed!
  • Release Stress And Encourage Relaxation With A Masaza - By: Azeem Ashraf
    People are having much workload these days, and they usually get very tired and stressed everyday.
  • Mindfulness: Making Every Moment Count - By: Louann Vertrees
    Our minds seldom allow us to stay in the present. Worry or anticipation pull us into the future, and memories or regrets can leave us stuck in the past. We can learn valuable lessons from the past, and it is important to plan for the future, but it isn't helpful to dwell too much on either one. While we know that the past is gone and can't be changed, and that the future is yet to happen, stress and the hectic pace of life can cause us to forget that the present moment is all we ever really have.
  • Three Ways To Help Prevent Stress Related Illnesses - By: Daniel Richard
    Times are tough for all of us in today's economy, and stress is fast becoming a major issue. This article will show you 3 ways to help prevent stress related illnesses.
  • Four Distinct Types of Insomnia - By: Benjamin Moss, CH.T
    This article describes four different types of insomnia to educate sufferers so they can obtain prompt, effective treatment.
  • Are You Living Your Best Life? - By: Gail Solish
    One can never predict what will happen in life. You can embrace life and live each day to the fullest or you can keep waiting for the right set of circumstances, which of course rarely comes. Consider these 5 rules for living your best life.
  • Ways to Reduce Your Stress (Vitamins and Stress Relief) - By: Gerald Fitz
    Stress is the silent killer.
  • Mindful Breathing For A Stress-Free Mind - By: Diane Neuman
    Learn to instantly re-boot your mind and body during an exhausting and demanding workday. You begin your day as a tall, graceful, sharp, creative, energetic, valuable human being. Kiss all that goodbye by 2:00 in the afternoon. Understand why the tension mounts and how to return to your glorious morning self in less than three minutes.