What Are Naps?
For some, naps are a way of a life, a sign of laziness, a rare treat, or a needed break in the afternoon. But this common indulgence may be just the thing you need to compensate for a poor night’s sleep or alleviate building sleepiness. Research also suggests that taking naps may be an effective way to jump-start your memory and even improve productivity. What Are Naps? A nap is a short period of sleep that typically occurs during the day. Children may take frequent naps as their nighttime sleep is less consolidated. Generally, as we get older, we do most of our sleeping at night and sleep less during the day. Nevertheless, we typically have a strong desire to take a nap in the early afternoon (often between 1 and 3 p.m.). Some cultures have accommodated this desire to sleep by allowing structured midday breaks. For example, in the Spanish culture, “siestas” allow for a temporary closing of businesses in the early afternoon so people can rest. Reasons to Nap There are plenty of reasons