Weight Loss Diet Program .org
Do you want to lose weight? Are you tired of the same old diets that don't work? Enjoy theses free diet tips, weight programs, diets, suggestions and weight loss articles - updated often.
Is Napping Healthy
Author: Dave
Article:
Classic Scenario
Its 2pm, you've just had a nice heavy lunch with your colleagues
and you're now back at work staring at the computer. Your eyes
feel like lead as you fight to stay awake. You get up wash your
face with cold water and grab another cup of coffee to make it
through the day.
Sound familiar?
Why is it that from about 1-3pm it's a constant struggle to stay
awake? Well, its after lunchtime you may say. Here's an
interesting thought, why then do we not feel sleepy after
breakfast or dinnertime? Well according to Dr. Sara Mednick,
(author of Take a Nap), this is the peak time in our biological
clocks to stop what we are doing, kick off our shoes, and take a
nap. Yes, you know, what babies and children do in preschool.
Who's Who in Napping
If you don't believe naps are a good thing, consider some of the
following individuals who regularly took naps:
* John F. Kennedy
* Thomas Edison
* Albert Einstein
* Leonardo Da Vinci
* Winston Churchill
* Napoleon Bonaparte...
And the list goes on. Countless research has been done that
conclusively proves naps are all-around beneficial. Take a look
at some of the results below.
Top 10 Benefits of Napping
1. Improves stamina
2. Increases alertness and motor skills
3. Reduces stress and lowers blood pressure
4. Enlightens mood and attitude
5. Increases accuracy
6. Cuts down on company costs related to fatigue
7. Preserves youth (beauty sleep)
8. Increase in activity/metabolism
9. Facilitates weight loss
10. Nothing like a good nap!
As you can see, naps are extremely beneficial as well as
positive for natural health and well-being. I can honestly say,
in the days when I do take naps I feel more alert and
productive. While napping is starting to gain some attention on
the benefits there are still people who have a negative view of
catching some extra zzz's. Below are some common myths about
napping:
Myth #1
Isn't Napping a Waste of Time?
Today, I often hear quoted, "I don't have time to sleep, much
less take a nap" or how about the ever popular, "I'll sleep when
I'm dead" ... Again, research shows a short 30-60min nap can
boost productivity, creativity, as well as accuracy. Much more
effective than dragging through the day fighting to stay awake.
This can even be dangerous at some professions where machinery
is used, driving long hours, or precision is needed (think
surgeons).
Myth #2
Taking a Nap Will Hinder My Nighttime Sleep
This is also an inaccurate statement. Obviously, if you lay down
for about 4 hours in the evening, and wake up at 10pm expecting
to go to bed at 11:00pm, you'll be in for a long night. While
each individual is different, it is suggested that 20 - 90min
naps are optimal and do not affect nighttime sleep. The best
time to nap is 1-3pm, when the sun is at its peak. (Ever heard
of the siesta in Spain or Mexico?) Consider this, humans are the
only mammals that sleep in 1 phase per day. All other animals
sleep in multi-phases, just watch your dog or cat everyday, they
love to take naps!
Myth #3
Taking a Nap is Just Lazy!
If you want to argue this you can, but research concludes
naptakers outperform those who don't hands down. Just a short
25min nap can increase productivity by as much as 30%! Scroll
back up and look at the list of famous nappers one more time,
even former President William Clinton was known to retire
everyday at 3pm for a short powernap.
Bottom line: don't feel guilty, take a nap, it's healthy!
About the author:
Dave is Your Health Nut Expert
For more information visit: Alternative Natural
Health
|
