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March 29, 2014 at 11:45 pm #42078Michael WinnKeymaster
note: those who study Tao dream practice are well aware of how to intensify the benefits of the power nap. But good to see it becoming mainstream.
Napping can Dramatically Increase Learning, Memory, Awareness, and More
Napping can Dramatically Increase Learning, Memory, Awareness, and More
In some places, towns essentially shut down in the afternoon while everyone goes home for a siesta. Unfortunately, in the U.S.more bound to our corporate lifestyles than our healtha mid-day nap is seen as a luxury and, in some cases, a sign of pure laziness. But before you feel guilty about that weekend snooze or falling asleep during a movie, rest assured that napping is actually good for you and a completely natural phenomena in the circadian (sleep-wake cycle) rhythm.
As our day wears on, even when we get enough sleep at night, our focus and alertness degrade. While this can be a minor inconvenience in modern times, it may have meant life or death for our ancestors. Whether you are finishing up a project for work or hunting for your livelihood, a nap can rekindle your alertness and have your neurons back up and firing on high in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
Big name (and high-dollar) companies recognize this. Google and Apple are just a few that allow employees to have nap time. Studies have affirmed that short naps can improve awareness and productivity. Plus, who wouldnt love a boss that lets you get a little shut-eye before the afternoon push?
A study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that children who missed their afternoon nap showed less joy and interest, more anxiety, and poorer problem solving skills than other children. The same can be seen in adults that benefit from napping.
Researchers with Berkeley found an hour nap to dramatically increase learning ability and memory. Naps sort of provide a reboot, where the short term memory is cleared out and our brain becomes refreshed with new defragged space.
Read: Sleep Removes Toxic Waste from the Brain
So how long should you nap?
sleep naps Napping can Dramatically Increase Learning, Memory, Awareness, and More
Experts say a 10 to 20 minute power nap is best for refreshing your mind and increasing energy and alertness. The sleep isnt as deep as longer naps, which allows you to get right back at your day upon waking.
A 30 minute nap can lead to 30 minutes of grogginess, as you are often waking just as your body enters the deeper stages of sleep. Youll experience some of that same fogginess if you sleep for an hour, but 60 minute naps are good for memory boosting.
The longest napsaround 90 minutesare good for those people who just dont get enough sleep at night. Its a complete sleep cycle and can improve emotional memory and creativity.
Naps are good for youphysically and mentally. But dont sacrifice night time zzzs for an afternoon snooze; take your nap in addition to a good nights sleep.
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April 4, 2014 at 1:50 pm #42079frechtlingParticipantI love power naps!
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