If you’re still feeling off from changing the clocks last weekend, taking a NAP or two this weekend might help get you back on track. Here are five reasons why naps are good for your health . . .
1. It can charge your brain’s batteries. A NASA study on astronauts found that taking naps improved working memory performance. That involves focusing attention on one task while having other tasks in your memory. And a different study found that people who took afternoon naps had better mental agility than people who didn’t nap.
2. It could lower your risk for heart problems. According to a study published in the journal “Heart”, taking a nap once or twice a week could lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. It might help you get into shape. A 2020 study found the more sleep-deprived someone was, the more likely they were to consume sugar, fatty foods and caffeine.
4. Naps could boost your creativity. Researchers have found that the right side of the brain stays active while you’re napping. That’s the side of your brain that’s associated with creative tasks.
5. We just lost an hour of sleep. Springing forward for Daylight Saving Time inspired National Napping Day, which was last Monday. So if there was ever a time to start incorporating naps, it’s now.
Photo by Tuqa Nabi
