Afternoon Napping To Improve Energy Levels in Mature Adults

Afternoon Napping To Improve Energy Levels in Mature Adults

The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural causes and possible benefits of napping. Here is their report:

Getting Your Rest

There is nothing like a good night's sleep to rejuvenate the body and the mind. As we age, however, a mid-afternoon dip in mood and alertness is common, especially after a night of little sleep.

Many people attempt to treat afternoon fatigue with a cup of coffee or a caffeinated cola. This is actually detrimental to the body as caffeine creates an illusion of alertness which deprives the body and brain of what is really needed sleep.

Mid-afternoon drowsiness corresponds to a slight drop in body temperature and is present even in well-rested sleepers. Researchers have discovered that afternoon drowsiness is associated with reduced performance and an increase in fatigue-related accidents.

Afternoon 'Delight' - aNap?

It has been suggested that an afternoon nap may provide a host of benefits, including improved energy levels.

Over 85% of mammals engage in polyphasic sleeping, which means that they sleep for short periods, or nap throughout the day. Humans belong to the other 15% - monophasic sleepers whose days are divided into one period of wakefulness and one period of sleeping.

Some experts believe that monophasic sleeping in humans is not what nature intended and that a mid-day nap can have a restorative effect on the body.

Advantages of Napping

Can improve performance and enhance alertness which reduces accidents. A NASA study showed that a 40 minute nap taken by fatigued military pilots and astronauts improved performance by 34% and alertness by 100%.

Have been reported to increase alertness for a period immediately following a nap and may extend levels of alertness by a few hours later in the day.

Provides psychological benefits with perceived feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Scheduled napping has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from narcolepsy.

Some Tips for a Good Nap

Make it short, but not too short It has been shown that napping for ten minutes provides very little benefit, whereas napping for 15-45 minutes offers rejuvenating effects that last through the day. Naps longer than 45 minutes can lead to deep stages of sleep which induce grogginess and may affect nighttime sleep.

Make it early Shoot for a nap in the early afternoon. Napping too late in the day may also affect sleep at night.

Make it comfortable Choose a comfortable environment with reduced light and noise. Give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to fully awaken before tackling challenging tasks.

The Long and Short of It

Good sleep is essential to health and well-being, but as people get older, quality of sleep can decline. There are many benefits to a short afternoon siesta, including an increase in energy levels.

For many mature adults, taking a brief nap can provide the energy needed to fully engage in all activities throughout the day.

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