{"id":12896,"date":"2023-10-18T13:14:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T13:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=12896"},"modified":"2023-10-18T19:31:52","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T19:31:52","slug":"can-you-nap-your-way-to-better-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2023\/10\/18\/can-you-nap-your-way-to-better-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Nap Your Way to Better Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Can<\/p>\n

Sleep is critical for good health. In a world buzzing with information and endless demands on our time, body, and mind, however, the value of a good night’s sleep often gets buried under the weight of our to-do lists.<\/p>\n

Para leer en Espa\u00f1ol, por favor haga clic aqu\u00ed<\/a><\/p>\n

A staggering 33% of American adults, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are missing out on the recommended seven hours of nightly rest. This sleep deficit makes us more apt to develop heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany factors keep us from getting the rest we need,\u201d says Jonathan Kass, MD<\/a>, a pulmonologist and sleep specialist at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>. \u201cShift work, new parenthood, a too-full schedule, stress, and even sleep apnea, which lowers the quality of our sleep, can all deprive us of vital rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, what about catching up by taking a nap?<\/p>\n

What Are the Benefits of Napping?<\/h3>\n

For healthy adults, a brief nap can reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and improve performance. Many people who nap report it improves their mood. One study noted that catching a few Zs midday can also spark creativity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

People who don\u2019t get enough sleep at night usually benefit the most from napping \u2014 especially those who work non-traditional hours. One 2014 study<\/a> showed that shift workers who took a brief nap during their shift were less sleepy and had improved performance, even if they were a little groggy when they first woke up.<\/p>\n

Can Napping Be Bad for You?<\/h3>\n

Although taking a cat nap seems okay for the average healthy person who gets behind on their sleep, for some people, sleeping during the day is more a problem than a benefit.<\/p>\n

\u201cNapping for too long can throw off your nighttime sleep cycle or cause sleep inertia \u2014 a condition where you feel excessively groggy and disoriented when you wake up,\u201d Dr. Kass says.<\/p>\n

Is Napping Good for Your Heart?<\/h3>\n

Studies on the effects of napping on cardiovascular health have shown uneven results.<\/p>\n

A 2017 review of research<\/a> on middle-aged adults showed that those who napped had lower rates of coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease, and death from cardiovascular conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe studies suggested that short naps may lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the release of hormones such as adrenaline,\u201d Dr. Kass says. \u201cThese factors all potentially improve heart health.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additionally, a 2019 study in Heart<\/em>, a British medical journal, tracked the napping habits of nearly 3,500 people over five years and found that those who napped once or twice a week were 48% less likely to have a cardiovascular event than those who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

However, research also showed that those aged 65 or older who took long naps of an hour or more were more at risk for heart-related issues.<\/p>\n

When Is Napping a Sign of a Problem?<\/h3>\n

Intentionally napping from time to time to catch up on sleep seems to be a good idea for most people. If you nod off when you don\u2019t mean to, however, it could indicate a problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone is excessively sleepy during the day and dozes off unintentionally, it can mean they have a problem with sleep quantity or quality,\u201d Dr. Kass explains. \u201cIf they seem to be getting enough sleep, it might be time to talk to a health care provider about sleep disorders \u2014 like sleep apnea \u2014 or other medical issues. Some medications also cause you to become drowsy.\u201d<\/p>\n

In older adults, excessive need for sleep can point to cognitive decline. A 2021 study showed that people in their 80s who needed long naps to get through the day were more at risk for Alzheimer\u2019s disease. People already diagnosed with the disease also seemed to need longer and more frequent naps.<\/p>\n

Good Napping Practices<\/h3>\n

If you want to do some healthy napping, here are a few tips to remember.<\/p>\n