Long or short naps? This is what science recommends for improving cognitive health

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There is an intrinsic relationship between the sleep processes and the general state of physical and mental health of a person: his life quality. There are several factors that affect an individual’s quality of life such as age, health, social status, etc. Ultimately, the perception of quality of life will depend on the esteem of the person himself.

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Although there is no clear consensus on the definition of quality of life, according to several studies it is known that one of the factors that most contributes to achieving this social status It is usually sleep. And is that sleep is a fundamental biological function, just remember that we spend about a third of our existence sleeping.

Sleep is essential in our lives, and not only because of the amount of time we spend sleeping, but also because of the meaning we attach to rest time and the effect it has on our daily performance.

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Many times, the Lack of sleep or tiredness deriving from carrying out very demanding activities during the day ask our body for rest: A rushed. The problem occurs when that short sleep turns into a long nap that can last for hours and prevents you from using the daylight hours to perform routine activities.

Napping at the wrong time of day or for the wrong amount of time can be not very advantageous for health and counterproductive when performing daytime tasks. Many researchers dedicated to the study of sleep habits have managed to determine a specific time during the day, when it’s ideal for taking a nap. this habit helps improve cognitive health and decreases cardiovascular risk.

How long should a nap be?

According to the nonprofit medical organization Mayo Clinic, there are various benefits taking short naps as relaxation, mood improvements, less fatigue and better performance and cognitive and motor performance, among others. However, specialists point out that the trick is in the duration from the nap

According to the National Sleep Foundation, taking long naps, more than 45 minutesIt can cause some problems. If a person has sleep disturbances, sleeping during the day for this length of time could make the situation worse.

Naps should last less than 45 minutes.

Naps should last less than 45 minutes.

Also, the organization’s medical specialists ensure that when a nap exceeds 45 minutes, the body goes into Deep sleepwhich upon awakening will cause the person to rise with inertia from sleep, also called dullness.

The specific program developed by doctors is from From 15 to 45 minutes, nothing more. Within this range, the body can replenish energy without suffering negative consequences. They also recommend taking a nap in a dark, comfortable place that is quiet and without distractions. The recommended time of day is early afternoon, not after 3pmas it may interfere with normal sleeping habits.

Another recommended factor is the moment of awakening. Specialists mention the importance of taking time to return to activityespecially those related to work.

Source: Clarin

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