So, are afternoon naps good for us, and, if so, how long and how often should we nap? While getting a good night’s sleep is very important, we may be shortchanging ourselves by not taking an afternoon nap. Experts are saying that, in order to function at full capacity, and in order to enjoy greater alertness, memory, cognition, and mental stamina, we should be taking an afternoon nap. Doing so will help us store, retain, and recall information better.
The best nap is one that lasts for 15-30 minutes. Longer than 30 minutes can make us feel fuzzy-headed and groggy when we wake up, and can disturb our nighttime sleep. The ideal environment for a nap is a quiet and dark room, free from as much stimuli as possible. Even if you don’t fall asleep, just close your eyes and relax. You will still “wake up” feeling refreshed. While we nap, the brain is able to quickly clear away cellular debris and waste products that accumulate while we’re awake.
