Nap Power:

Power Naps Bring Many Health Benefits


What did you do for yourself today? I gave myself a nap. In our hurried, type-A world, naps are rarely valued, but now more and more companies are tapping into scientific research that points to increased productivity through napping. There are companies that even offer sleeping pods for businesses, or off site napping facilities. This post lists some tips and information I discovered about the benefits of napping, and how to change your life through napping.

According to Dr. Sara Mednick Phd, health benefits of napping include:

• Preserving youthful looks. Adding a nap improves skin and tissue regeneration.
• Revitalizing libido. Sleep deprivation dampens sex drive and sexual function.Napping reverses those effects.
• Contributing to weight loss. Studies reveal that sleepy people reach for high-fat, sugar-rich foods more than people who are rested. Napping also produces more of the growth hormone that reduces body fat.
• Reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Fatigue contributes to hypertension, heart attack, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular disorders, even in otherwise physically-fit subjects.

Perhaps I should have titled this "Nap Yourself Beautiful". When I decided to give myself a nap, things were just not going well in my corner of the universe, so I decided to sleep on it, and face my problems with a fresh outlook. Surprising how seemingly huge problems can be seen with a new perspective after a quick nap. One problem actually resolved itself during my catnap!

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on  a digital copy of Dr. Mednicks book TAKE A NAP! CHANGE YOUR LIFE.  According to the press release, Dr. Mednicks book outlines a scientifically-proven program based on Dr. Mednick’s ground-breaking research.

Dr. Mednick's book includes tips on: when to nap; how long to sleep; how not to wake up groggy, creating the right nap environment; a 16-step technique for falling asleep; and a six-week napping workbook.

What most intrigues me is the “Nap Wheel,” showing precisely when to nap for desired results (the optimal time for a nap rich in REM sleep, to inspire creativity and heighten perception, or a different nap with more Stage 2 sleep, for increasing alertness and motor skills).

Napping is important, not just for the sleep deprived, like myself, but also for people who are getting sufficient sleep, as it helps people tap into a wide variety of health benefits.


Some research seems to show that that napping around 2 p.m.in the afternoon, helps most in increasing levels of alertness. This surprised me, because I had assumed siestas were usually taken right after lunch, and ended around two in the afternoon.


If you feel guilty about napping, and would like your down time to contribute to something purposeful, you might be interested in contributing to a sleep study exploring napping and learning, like this one.  While that particular sleep study is looking for a three month commitment,  Dr. Piotr A. Wozniak , on the same site, mentions he would be happy to receive even a week's worth of data to help with his research. According to Dr. Wozniak's napping advice the ideal nap routine would consist of exercise (preferably sex), a large main meal,followed by a nap. So in the name of health and science, perhaps I'll look into getting remarried after all. (Who else will cook that large main meal ?)

A nap-the simplest solution for sleep deprivation it's free, nontoxic, and has no dangerous side effects. Wouldn't the world be better if we all took a nap every day?