{"id":1431,"date":"2018-02-11T13:46:41","date_gmt":"2018-02-11T13:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/redesign.bettersleep.stage.env.marcusthomasllc.com\/?p=1431"},"modified":"2018-02-11T13:46:41","modified_gmt":"2018-02-11T13:46:41","slug":"napping-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/napping-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Napping Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

While napping has some real benefits, there\u2019s more to the simple snooze than you might think. For example, did you know Thomas Edison was a napper? The American innovator credited with a long list of inventions, including the practical lightbulb, also recognized the power of a well-timed snooze. In fact, he was so committed to the practice that he set up napping cots throughout his home and laboratory for those times he needed to recharge. Other greats in history have also called out the benefits of napping, from painter Leonardo da Vinci to former United Kingdom prime minister Margaret Thatcher to United States of America first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know about napping.<\/p>\n

Are you a napper?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to naps, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all. Some people are nappers and some just aren\u2019t<\/a>. Much of this could be due to genetics. People who enjoy naps usually fall asleep quickly, but not deeply. They wake up on their own after about 20 minutes, feeling refreshed. Some nappers say they need this time and are not as productive without it. On the other hand, \u201cnon-nappers\u201d sleep deeply during naps. They usually need an alarm to wake up, and when they do, they feel groggy. Napping makes them much less productive than they normally would be. So do you take the snooze plunge? To nap or not to nap, that is the question!<\/p>\n

The dangers of drowsiness<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling the need for more sleep<\/a>, particularly during the daytime hours? This could be a sign that a future health problem is looming. Studies<\/a> have linked regular daytime napping with elevated health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Daytime sleepiness\u00a0can be one sign of depression. In these cases, daytime sleep is a symptom of an underlying issue; the sleep is not creating the problem, although napping can worsen depression if you have it. Check with your doctor to see if you can find the source of this fatigue.<\/p>\n

The pitfalls of catnaps<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There are some drawbacks to napping. While a short nap doesn\u2019t tend to affect nighttime sleep<\/a>, a longer nap, or more frequent naps, can make it more difficult to sleep at night. If you\u2019re experiencing insomnia or poor sleep quality at night already, napping might just worsen the problem. Sleep \u201cinertia\u201d is when you feel disoriented or groggy after a nap. It may take you a while to recover from this, losing valuable work time.<\/p>\n

Some people feel uncomfortable trying to sleep somewhere other than in the privacy of their own bedroom, on a comfortable, supportive mattress. But napping on a couch or chair is often required if you\u2019re trying to nap during work hours. Instead of taking a nap, try to get some exercise. Take a walk outside in the fresh air, get some sunlight, and see if that doesn\u2019t help you perk up a bit. This will\u00a0help you get to sleep at night when bedtime comes around.<\/p>\n

\"NappingWhen is the best time, and best way, to nap? Here are some tips:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n