Babies do it. Dogs do it. Old people love it. But is napping a good or bad habit to have, or is it something that’s better to try to shake? The PerformaSleep team dug into this topic to give you good insight on the best ways to incorporate naps into your life.
Do We Need to Nap?
The short answer to this is no, adults do not need to take naps. But that doesn't mean napping can't be beneficial. The question to ask yourself, however, is why am I feeling the need to nap?
If you’re feeling constantly lethargic and run down, an underlying health issue, such as sleep apnea, may be at play. According to a recent article in Men’s Health, if a frequent need to nap is part of your daily routine, or you are taking naps of 60 minutes or more, it’s worth talking to your doctor.
Getting enough quality sleep at night should be the priority. If you regularly feel tired during the day, review your overall sleep habits and whether you're getting enough sleep each night.
Length Matters
While longer naps can hurt productivity, health, and performance, a short nap can be highly beneficial. The key is to lie down for just 20 to 30 minutes.
A shorter nap keeps you from dipping into the deeper stages of sleep and simultaneously provides rejuvenation to your mental and physical states. Understanding the different short sleep cycles can help explain why keeping your nap brief may make it easier to wake up feeling refreshed rather than groggy.
Try Swapping a Nap for a Red Bull
Do a test on yourself to see if you are the type of person who could benefit from a quick midday snooze: Find a nice, cool, quiet place and lie down for just 20 minutes instead of grabbing that 3 pm coffee or Red Bull.
For an even more comfortable nap, choose a cooling mattress that helps create a cooler sleep surface. Keeping your environment comfortable can make it easier to relax during your short rest.
If you wake up easily and feel like you’re ready to take on the rest of the day, you are a perfect nap candidate. If you wake up feeling worse or groggy, naps are not for you.
What About Nighttime Sleep?
A nap can be useful when you need a quick boost during the day, but it shouldn't consistently replace a full night's sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, look at your daily habits and make changes that support better nighttime rest.
If you're struggling to stay asleep longer, building a consistent bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment may help you get more restorative sleep at night.
The goal of a nap is simple: a short period of rest that helps you feel refreshed without interfering with the sleep you need at night. Listen to your body, keep naps short, and make nighttime sleep your main priority.
