The benefits of an afternoon nap are indisputable. Scientists confirm this by pointing to the fact that thanks to it, the human body gets a sort of restart during the stressful and hectic day. After an afternoon break, studies have shown that a person has higher concentration and better health.
Experts claim that the best time for an afternoon nap is between 2 and 3 pm. Further proof of this are the claims of quite a few famous personalities that have made their mark on history, such as Napoleon, Thomas Edison, Leonardo da Vinci and Winston Churchill, saying that their afternoon nap helped them in their tasks that changed the world.
Scientists postulate that if you don't have time, even a half an hour snooze would be of great benefit. There are 4 main advantages to an afternoon nap:
1. 100% effectiveness after 1 hour of sleep
According to many experts, an hour of sleep doubles a worker's efficiency. A NASA study has even managed to calculate that a cat nap increases work effectiveness by 100%.
The benefits of a nap are much more effective than those from coffee or exercise. Recently, in fact, in Berlin, Germany they opened a coffee shop where employees working in the large companies downtown can nap during their lunch break.
2. Afternoon shuteye = health
Over exhaustion from work and lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of cortisol in the body. This hormone is what causes stress. It increases glucose intolerance and fat around the belly, weakens the muscle and immune system, hinders learning and memorization and decreases levels of the growth hormone and testosterone.
Experts recommend a break to let the body deal with its high levels. This happens because during sleep, the body releases the growth hormone, which counteracts cortisol. Aside from this, it helps boost the immune system, sexual function and even weight loss.
3. Diminishes the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Studies reveal that people who sleep in the afternoon have a minimal risk of heart attack.
4. More sleep = better mood
During sleep, our body releases serotonin, which regulates sleep, appetite and mood and provides a feeling of fulfillment.
