In theory, taking a nap allows you to recover, be in better physical shape and sometimes more productive. But is it true? Are there other techniques?
- 13% of 25-45 year olds consider that sleeping is a waste of time according to Inserm.
- According to Health Insurance, sleep needs vary from person to person but range from 6 to 10 hours.
It’s a tip from theHealth Insurance : take a nap in the afternoon to compensate for the lack of sleep. But so that it does not disturb the night to come and sleep, it must last 5 to 20 minutes maximum and take place between 12 and 15 hours.
Improved cognition
According to a study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, taking a nap could improve cognition. Indeed, according to the authors, participants who had taken a nap had better results on tests of memory, verbal fluency and perceptual learning compared to those who had stayed awake.
Better neurocognitive abilities
“Sleep has restorative effects after a prolonged period of awake but also increases neurocognitive abilities compared to what they were before taking a nap”, explained Matthew Walkerone of the authors, at a conference.
The siesta would be harmful…
Nevertheless, according to another study published last July in the journal Hypertension, taking naps often in the afternoon would be harmful to your health. The authors estimated that people who usually took afternoon naps were more likely to develop hypertension – 12% more – or to have a stroke – 24%. more -, compared to those who did not sleep during the day.
…because associated with poorer health
“Although the nap itself is not dangerous, many people who take naps do so because of poor nighttime sleep which is associated with poorer health, and naps are not enough to compensate for this.”, explains Michael Grandner, clinical psychologist and sleep expert to the media CNN.
Walk, drink and eat well
If you feel tired in the afternoon, especially after a meal, here are some tips to get you back in shape without sleeping. A short walk, for example, has several benefits: getting some fresh air and activating your body. Then, you have to remember to hydrate regularly to have energy. Finally, a balanced diet, with reasonable portions, also contributes to being in good shape.
Advice to try rather than taking a nap, which is better not to do every day.
