The Perfect Duration: How Long Should a Nap Last for Mental Health Benefits?

2023-08-07 23:31:39

When you find yourself exhausted from the busy daily days, you may want to take a few minutes to close your eyes and rest, but whathow long should a nap last to be effective and benefit our mental health? Believe it or not, that little break in the day can make a big difference in our physical and emotional well-being, as long as we know how to take advantage of it.

Today we will tell you all about the benefits that this delicious way to recharge energy offers us and what is the ideal duration according to health experts. Get ready for revitalize your mind and face the rest of the day!

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Benefits of taking a nap

The NAP It is not only a cultural custom in some countries, but also has scientific support due to the various benefits it can bring to our mental health and wellness general. Some of the main ones are:

Stress reduction: Taking a short nap during the day can help reduce built-up stress levels, allowing the body and mind to relax and recuperate.
Mood Enhancement: Rest can improve your mood and increase your sense of well-being, which contributes to better overall mental health.
Increased cognitive performance: A short nap increases brain function, promoting concentration, creativity and productivity.
Reduced fatigue: It can also relieve fatigue and improve energy levels, which is especially helpful for those who experience sleepiness during the day. Getty Images

Sleep in a quiet, dark place with a comfortable room temperature and few distractions.

When is it recommended to take a nap?

Although the siesta can be beneficial, it is not something that is recommended for everyone at any time of the day. The most suitable time is usually after lunch, around noon or early in the afternoon. This is because this is when our body naturally experiences a decrease in energy and a increased feeling of sleepiness.

Individual factors, such as your need for sleep, sleep schedules, age, and medication use, may also be important in determining the best time of day to nap.

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How long should a nap last according to health experts?

The ideal length of a nap It varies according to health experts, since age plays a determining role since it has been shown that young adults can tolerate longer naps, but according to a recent study published by the Journal of Sleep Research, it is considered that around 10 to 20 minutes is enough to get the benefits without negatively affecting night sleep.

If the nap extends beyond 30 minutes, there is a risk of entering deeper stages of sleep, which can leave us feeling groggy and sleepy upon awakening, rather than refreshed. They also point out that it is important that after your nap, you take time to fully wake up, drinking water and freshen up before resuming your activities, especially those that require a quick response or a lot of attention.

Getty Images

Experts believe that taking a nap after 3 pm can interfere with nighttime sleep.

now that you know how long should a nap last, use this valuable tool to feel much better throughout the day. Set your alarm, close your eyes for a few minutes and recharge your energy!

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