Shea Simmons
For many, an afternoon nap is one of life’s simple pleasures. The truth is, however, you really shouldn’t need one.
Michael J. Breus, a clinical psychologist, told HelloGiggles that if you feel the need to doze off during the day, you might not be getting enough sleep at night. According to Breus, naps just shouldn’t be necessary, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad for you, either.
Rachel Eva Dew, PhD, offered a counterpoint. According to her, there are benefits to napping, even if you should be trying to solve your sleep woes at night.
Dew said naps can do everything from increasing alertness and improving creativity to reducing stress. The trick is you have to nap for the right amount of time. She recommends 30-90 minutes, as anything longer than that can have the opposite effect, and lead to drowsiness and a lack of alertness.
So, next time you need a nap, make sure to set a timer and catch some extra rest that night. If you need some help improving your sleep routine, try some of these tips for going to bed earlier.
[Via HelloGiggles]
