What are the pros and cons of napping?
The benefits of a nap depend on the time of day and the amount of sleep one has had recently. Most naps enhance subsequent alertness and reduce sleepiness. Evidence also suggests that naps can help offset the effects of frequent nighttime awakenings in older people. Naps can be refreshing for most people, and they can be beneficial in the long run if they don’t interfere with nighttime sleep. However, naps are not very efficient ways to sleep because you’re often just getting into the deeper stage of sleep when your nap time is up. Another potential problem is that overly long naps (exceeding two hours) or naps that occur too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep.
The benefits of a nap depend on the time of day and the amount of sleep one has had recently. Most naps enhance subsequent alertness and reduce sleepiness. Evidence also suggests that naps can help offset the effects of frequent night-time awakenings in older people. Naps can be refreshing for most people, and they can be beneficial in the long run if they don’t interfere with night-time sleep. However, naps are not very efficient ways to sleep because you’re often just getting into the deeper stage of sleep when your nap time is up. Another potential problem is that overly long naps (exceeding two hours) or naps that occur too close to bedtime can disrupt night-time sleep.
