Did you know that a 60 minute nap can improve your alertness for up to 10 hours? A nap can boost creativity, productiveness and of course, mood. Did you know that most mammals sleep for short periods during the day but we, humans, choose to sleep in one long period. The fact is that our bodies have a down time during the day. From your own experience you know it is usually in the afternoon. For some 1pm-3pm, for others 3pm-5pm. Don't call that "napper" in your life "Lazy"....he/she will be more alert, happier and productive after a little snooze.
What did Winston Churchill, Leonardo da Vinci, John Kennedy and Napoleon have in common? Yes, you guessed it. They all loved the short power nap shortly after lunch. Here are some tips for the perfect siesta from The Boston Globe :
- Find a safe, comfortable, quiet place, preferably one where you can lie down.(It takes about 50 percent longer to fall asleep upright)
- Have a light blanket handy in case you get chilly, but nothing too heavy because excess warmth can make you oversleep.
- darken the room or use an eye mask
- Calm your body by breathing slowly and deeply. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles, one group at a time.
- Quiet is best. If you are bothered by noise put in some earplugs or put on some white noise.
- Quiet your mind by repeating a mantra, taking a mental walk at a relaxing place like a beach, or do the classic thing and count sheep.
Grab that siesta and enjoy the benefits of enhanced mood and memory, of improved creativity and motor skills. Nap this afternoon for you and your health.
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