Have you ever wondered how long the ideal nap should be? The answer is 90 minutes. Here’s why: A 90-minute nap involves all 5 stages of sleep, including the final stage call REM (rapid eye movement) where intense dreaming occurs. Experiencing REM sleep during a nap has been found to help clear your mind; boost memory, creativity, and capacity to learn; and improve motor skills. Also, awakening after REM usually results in less grogginess. Taking shorter naps does not provide all of the same benefits.

Published November 1, 2021 by Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
The ideal nap

Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
Dr. Thomas is a highly sought-after physician with a wealth of knowledge and experience. With a medical career spanning nearly four decades, he has helped people worldwide by providing innovative solutions for regaining and maintaining their health. His strength lies in his scientific curiosity, creative and analytical thinking, and practical application of important biomedical research. Despite the demands of a busy medical practice, to stay at the forefront and continuously improve the care of his patients, Dr. Thomas devotes 20-30 hours a week to reviewing the latest scientific literature, talking with leading scientists, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to help uncover potentially promising treatments.