Have you ever wondered after coming from a trip to Europe, Asia or Latin-America whether naps are good for you or not? We know that night is the best time to sleep. We, humans, are diurnal beings, mostly active during the day. Our circadian rhythm, the natural sleep/wake cycle we live by, makes us alert during the day and sleepy at night. But, what about naps? Are they good for us, and why do so many other countries practice this?
In perfect circumstances, the sleeping patterns we follow are normal
But then, what happens when you do not get enough sleep during the night? When, as a consequence, you feel sleepy during the day and all you want is a nap? Is this daytime napping as effective and as healthy as the full-night sleep?
Scientists are asking themselves the same questions. Can napping make up for missing night-time sleep? Is it good, or can it be bad for you?
We did some research, too. In this article, we bring you our findings.
Sleep Is Important
Sleep is important for both body and mind. They are not designed to work at full capacity all the time. Your brain and all other vital organs need sleep. They need to rest in order to function properly. This is why the lack of sleep can cause various health problems in the long run.
Scientists are not exactly sure how much sleep is enough. Most assessments vary between seven and eight hours. However, the need for sleep is individual and what is enough for someone else does not have to be enough for you.
Some studies show that too much sleep can also have negative health effects.
Therefore, finding a perfect balance is important.
Our circadian rhythm shows us that we should place our sleeping hours somewhere between 9 pm and 7.30 am. This is the period during which the brain secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep/wake cycle.
Therefore, your sleeping hours are not irrelevant. They are predetermined by nature. That is why sleeping during the day (napping) and its effects are a matter of so much scientific interest.
Napping Can Help
Napping is sleeping. The only difference is that it happens during the day and it usually lasts for a shorter time. These differences do not have any negative effects on your health. If napping makes you feel more energized and focused during the day, chances are that your health will be better too.
On the other hand, if you are always feeling tired and your naps are of poor quality and last long, do not ignore these signs as they could be a consequence of something more serious.
In some countries, napping is a constitutional right
There are countries, where it seems that everything completely stops for several hours a day, a habit that is completely interwoven with the daily routines of all its citizens. Culturally, in most places, it began as a weather-related need to move away from exposure to high temperatures. But whether most countries follow a napping routine or not, researchers are also curious about the connection between napping and stress. Some believe that napping can help relieve stress while others argue that the absence of stress is what makes napping possible.
Another concern is the reason behind the need to take a nap. Some experts think that if this need exists every day it could be a tell-tale sign of an underlying health condition or a serious sleeping issue such as insomnia, sleep interruption, arousals, and breathing disorders (e.g. sleep apnea).
Are Naps Good For Your Heart?
When you sleep your blood pressure and heart rate are lower. This gives your heart and blood vessels an opportunity to rest and restore, enhancing their proper function. It may even decrease the risk of heart disease and hypertension.
A study performed in Switzerland, over a period of five years, has shown that the risk of heart-related health problems is significantly lower in people who take one or two naps per week, compared to people who never take naps.
Another research shows that shorter naps (less than 30 minutes), the so-called “power naps”, are often associated with heart health benefits.
The Bottom Line
The best time for sleeping is during the night. The health benefits of a good night’s sleep are undeniable but not completely irreplaceable. Short daytime naps can help you make up for the lost sleep, but they should not be too long, essentially no more than 90 to 120 minutes. Napping does not harm your health, it might even enhance your creativity, increase your attention, and many other overall benefits. However, the constant need for naps could indicate an underlying health problem or a serious sleeping disorder.
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