Nap

A nap is a short period of sleep, usually in the day time. Naps are frequently taken when one becomes drowsy during the day or otherwise wants to feel awake at a later period of time that day. It is common for small children to take frequent naps.

Benefits versus Risks of Napping

Scientists have raised questions as to whether or not napping is beneficial. Gregory Belenky, MD, Research Professor and Director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center at Washington State University, suggests that naps can make up for lost sleep during the night. However, prolonged naps, those exceeding 30 minutes, could lead to sleep inertia, causing the subject to be groggy after the nap. Naps can also be helpful to one's alertness when 30–60 minutes long. Naps are not recommended for those suffering from insomnia or depression.

Naps are recommended for those suffering from illnesses, such as the flu.

Research on the Benefits of Napping

There are many benefits to napping. Napping can help refresh your mind from a tiring day. According to Camile and William Anthony, authors of The Art of Napping at Work (Larson Publication,1999), a 20-minute nap can improve your overall alertness, boost your mood, and increase productivity. He also says that a post-nap can last for several hours. In addition, your heart may reap benefits from napping. In a six-year study of Greek adults, researchers found that men who took naps at least three times a week had a 37 percent lower risk of heart-related death.

Translation of "Nap"

Swedish: Tupplur, Dutch: Dutje, Japanese: 昼寝.