Thanks to today’s busy lifestyle and 10- or 12-hour workdays, we have very little time for afternoon naps. However, if it is possible, every active adult should take a rest and have a nap in the afternoon. Studies show that this habit has life-changing effects.
Let’s look at the positive effects of afternoon naps:
1. A nap improves the mood for the entire day
Serotonin, a hormone responsible for happiness, is released during sleep. Even a short nap can help in creating a happier and more balanced mindset.
2. A nap improves memory
An afternoon nap will make it easier to absorb new information. After an hour of sleep, productivity and stamina will increase.
3. A nap increases alertness
Research from the NASA group has shown that a 40-minute nap will make a person 100% more alert and active. The effect of sleep is similar to the consumption of 200 mg of caffeine.
4. A nap improves creativity
Lenardo da Vinci slept in the afternoons whenever he could, but he slept much less at night than an average person. Afternoon relaxation increases creativity.
5. A nap increases brain capacity
The brain is bombarded with information all day long. A nap helps the brain relax and store information better.
6. A nap strengthens the senses
After a nap, the sense of smell, tactile perception and vision will be much better. Research has shown that daytime rest makes the senses stronger than sleep during the night.