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.
The ideal nap
Dr. Daniel Thomas, DO, MS
Dr. Thomas is a highly regarded and sought-after physician whose medical expertise has been shaped by extensive education and refined over 39 years of clinical practice. His work centers on unlocking the science of longevity enhancement and helping people with cancer find a clearer path toward resolution. His strength lies in his scientific curiosity, creative and analytical thinking, and practical application of cutting-edge research. Despite the demands of a busy medical practice, Dr. Thomas devotes 20–30 hours a week outside the office to reviewing the latest scientific literature and consulting with leading scientists to identify promising treatments. He shares his evidence-based insights at ThomasHealthBlog.com and in his forthcoming book, “Healthier After 50: A Smarter Path to Aging Well,” which will distill decades of clinical wisdom into a practical guide for living healthier, happier, and longer. Dr. Thomas can be reached at info@healthyandstrong.com.