In America, daytime snoozing is still often viewed as lazy — a guilt-inducing indulgence. But scientific research shows that even a short early afternoon snooze can lead to better health, performance, and overall well-being.
Research has found that napping can reduce blood pressure and that the more you nap, the more you can decrease metabolic risks. What’s more, a recent study with schoolchildren in China concluded that students who napped the longest and the most frequently demonstrated the best school performance. Essentially, naps have many physical benefits, and if you aren’t getting enough sleep at night, napping can be a valuable substitute.
According to Sara Mednick, an associate professor in the department of cognitive science at the University of California, Irvine, 20 minutes of nap time is great for a pick me up. However, if you have more time, an hour to 90 minutes can maximize the benefits of napping because you experience all the important sleep stages.
