In our hectic modern lives, we usually wake up with a full schedule ahead for the day we barely have time for ourselves.
Society has conditioned people into thinking that resting or napping is a sign of laziness, when in fact there are many health benefits for taking a short twenty to thirty-minute nap.
The health benefits of taking a nap
Studies have found that habitual short napping has an immediate positive effect on cognitive function that can last a few hours.
A larger brain volume was also associated with regular short naps. An increase in blood flow and specific proteins to the brain keeps neurons healthy and therefore delays age-related cognitive decline.
As a result of these correlations to napping, there is an increase in alertness and productivity, and a decrease in blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
The body’s immune system also gets a boost because there is a reduction in stress levels and therefore a reduction in inflammatory elements in the body.
Benefits of napping for your skin’s health
Naturally, reducing stress and inflammation can improve your skin by preventing breakouts. Sleeping allows our body to repair itself and this of course extends to skin which is your biggest organ. Our skin cells can repair and rejuvenate during sleep, producing collagen and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, taking a short nap during the afternoon can give our skin a more even tone and a healthy glow, which many people desire.
Tips for taking the perfect nap
– Find time in the afternoon for your naps, ideally around three o’clock.
– You need to keep your naps short or else you risk waking up extremely groggy.
– Find a comfortable place that is dark and quiet.
– Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before your nap.
– Set an alarm clock if you do not want to oversleep. Make sure the alarm sound is something soothing to you so you do not wake up in a panic.
In conclusion, next time you have the urge to have a little shut-eye, remember that you are doing your body, mind and skin a favor.
Happy napping time to you.
