As always, thank you for taking a couple of minutes to read this week’s blog. Maybe you are reading this on your break or as you are sitting down relaxing. Perhaps it is a little bit of reading before you launch into your afternoon nap. Speaking of naps…
NAPPING
Although the following concept is foreign to me, napping isn’t for everyone. I’ve spoken to a few that claim they simply can’t nap during the day. Like my mom used to tell me when I was little, “You don’t have to sleep but you do have to rest.”
LET’S EXPLORE
There are both positive and negatives when it comes to napping. On the positive side, if relaxation is your goal a nap might be just what the doctor ordered. For all of you hopeless insomniacs, those who suffer from grumpy moods, are chronically fatigued or lack alertness, you might consider a mid-day snooze.
THE DOWNSIDE
Speaking of insomniacs, if you fall into this category, napping might interfere with your circadian rhythm. Others have trouble waking up and feel groggy after a nap. In this case, perhaps you should soldier on sans the nap.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
If you find yourself craving an afternoon nap, you might want to pay attention as to why. Are you taking meds that interfere with your nighttime sleep? Perhaps you suffer from sleep apnea or other medical conditions that result in making you tired during the day. On the other hand, some simply enjoy a good old fashioned nap.
WHATEVER…
Whatever the reason for your mid-day siesta, consider a few guidelines recommended by mayoclinic.org.
- Unless you are a little kid, keep naps short. Any more than a 20 minute power nap is likely to make you feel groggy aka sleep inertia.
- Try napping in earlier in the afternoon. Snoozing much after 3:00 is likely to interfere with your nighttime sleep.
- Create a calm peaceful environment. Resting in a cool comfortable place is best. Dozing off at your desk is not considered a comfortable place John!
THE BENEFITS
An article written by Web MD says a nap can be good for your ticker. A study found that if you feel stress, a nap can help lower your blood pressure. Other health benefits include boosting your memory, bolstering your immune system, lowering your risk of heart disease and flush toingxins from your brain. I read that a new study shows that regular daytime naps have been linked to bigger healthier brains. I know a few souls who might benefit!
CHRONIC DISEASE
If you are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you are more prone to disease like hypertension, diabetes, depression, obesity and cancer. A nap probably isn’t the solution but it can certainly help!
HDD
An ultrasound from High Desert won’t help much in the way of an afternoon siesta or a good night’s sleep. We can however help your healthcare provider diagnose issues that lie beneath the surface of your skin. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.