The mammalian species participates in multiple cycles of sleep known as polyphasic sleeping. Ever notice that your pets seem to take random naps throughout the day? This habit is bizarre to us, but completely natural for them. Marley, our cat, can sleep all day. She only wakes us up when she needs food or wants to go outside.
Unfortunately, we humans have been programmed to be monophasic sleepers. This means that we have only one sleep phase. Naps have been socially designated for toddlers and children only, while adult napping has gained a stigma. Napping adults are seen as “lazy.” To take a nap in the middle of the day shows that the individual is not committed and unproductive.
Contrary to popular belief, napping as an adult should be mandatory. You should be aware that the recommended hours of sleep has changed. It is now recommended by the National Sleep Foundation, for adults 18-64 years old, to be sleeping at least 7-9 hours per night. According to a poll conducted by Gallup.com, 40% of Americans get less sleep than the recommended amount. That’s about 6.8 hours. To supplement for the missing rest, let’s explore a few reasons why you should be napping daily.
1.) To Increase Alertness
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the recommended nap time for efficient alertness is 20-30 minutes. This amount of time should leave your body feeling energized and your mind more alert.
A nap lasting anytime between 10-15 minutes is considered a Cat Nap. To properly take a cat nap, all you need to do is get into a comfortable position, change into some comfortable clothing (if you can), find a quiet area, and rest. You can set an alarm if you fear that you will oversleep.
I like to call it “Grandmas Nap” you’re sleeping, but you’re still aware enough to make sure no one changes the television channel. I know y’all know what I’m talking about.
2.) Because Your Body Needs Rest
Indulging in a day nap allows your body to relieve itself of stress. Living in an overactive society, we tend to be more worried about everything other than the needs of our bodies until it may be too late. Like I’ve mentioned above, adult napping holds a stigma of “laziness” when in fact, taking a daily nap supports productivity and assists in preventing mental burnout.
Research also shows that naps have the potential to prevent heart disease. Stress is linked to heart disease which causes heart attacks and strokes.
Remember: Daily naps relieve stress and have the ability to prevent heart attack and stroke.
3.) Supports Memory & Creativity
Have you ever gotten up from a nap and felt more creative and maybe had a clearer mind than before you went to bed? That’s because taking a nap heightens sensory perception. Believe it or not, the idea for this post happened right after waking up from a very very relaxing nap yesterday afternoon. Taking a nap allows the mind to refresh and unwind, giving you the ability to tap into your imagination with a clearer mental space.
For more information on Heart Disease click here.
Take a note from Marley: remember that you will be most productive and creative when you are well-rested and stress-free. Even if you can’t take a daily nap try to at least get your cat nap in once in a while. Happy napping munchies.
