February 28, 2017.
It’s the eternal debate: should you take a nap to feel less tired? We believe that these little moments of sleep during the day are essential and we explain why.
Some people refuse to take naps because they feel it makes them soggy for the rest of the day. But many studies have shown that it is very useful to sleep a few minutes, after lunch for example, to regain strength and be more productive until the evening. Are you not convinced ? We’ve listed 10 great reasons to take a nap for a few minutes each day.
1. A nap is great for the neurons
According to the Institute of Sleep and Vigilance, naps allow us to restructure our neurons and therefore improve our memory and concentration. After lunch, instead of working in slow motion, it is better to stop for about twenty minutes. This time will not be wasted, since when you wake up you will make fewer mistakes and be more responsive.
2. The nap boosts creativity
Well rested, you will inevitably have better creativity. It is no coincidence that a company like Google has set up a room to allow employees to rest. During sleep, our brain sorts through all the information it has compiled since the start of the day. When you wake up, you will approach with a fresh perspective the sites on which you were working.
3. The nap is effective against cardiovascular disease
According to a study carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Athens in 2007, people who take the time to take a thirty-minute nap at least three times a week, reduce their risk of dying from an illness by 37%. cardiac disease. Researchers have shown that sleep helps lower blood pressure.
4. Napping reduces stress
At the same time, sleep will help bring down the stress accumulated during the morning. Lack of sleep is indeed a major stressor. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, in 2015, the nap reduces the activity of stress systems, which has a positive impact on the immune system.
5. The nap limits weight gain
In his book Take a Nap! Change Your LifeSara Mednick, doctor of sleep medicine at the University of California San Diego, says taking a 20- to 90-minute nap after lunch will decrease the risk of weight gain. Thanks to sleep, the mechanisms that prompt us to nibble during the day are indeed completely upset.
6. A nap revives sex life
Lack of sleep is often a factor in low libido. Taking the time to rest during the day allows you to be available in the evening for a good hug. Sleep is restorative but it also allows you to regain desire for your partner.
7. A nap helps you be in a better mood
We know it: a lack of sleep makes us easily cranky. By sleeping for ten minutes a day, you will be able to regain your joie de vivre. How is this explained? While sleeping, your body releases serotonin in your brain, the hormone of pleasure and happiness.
8. A nap helps digestion
It is often after lunch that we want to take a nap. And this is normal because digestion tires our body. What we know less is that sleeping during this time allows for better digestion. In any case, this is what the Inpes (National Institute for Prevention and Education for Health) argues, in its guide “Sleep well, live better”.
9. A nap helps limit coffee consumption
Drinking too much coffee or energy drinks is not good for your health and especially for the heart. But when we lack sleep, coffee is our best ally to last all day. By taking the time to sleep for a few minutes, you will no longer have to swallow a large dose of caffeine several times during the day.
10. The nap is effective against aging skin
Are you looking bad? You are most certainly lacking in sleep. By allowing yourself a few minutes of nap every day you will find a brighter complexion. In addition, sleep will regenerate your skin cells. Your skin will be plumped and you will fight wrinkles more effectively.
Read also: How to take a nap?
Marine Rondot
