Sleep Tracking

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Kindergartners do it. Cats do it. Your grandparents probably do it too. But is napping actually healthy for the average adult?

Although there are a number of benefits to napping, there are also a number of drawbacks. Napping has not been proven to make up for inadequate or poor quality of nighttime sleep, but it could improve your mood. So should you nap or just plan on an earlier bedtime?

Before you curl up to catch some Zs, make sure you know the pros and cons of nap time.

Benefits of Napping

1. Restore Alertness 

   According to the National Sleep Foundation a nap can increase alertness, enhance your performance, and reduce mistakes. The Mayo Clinic suggests that a short nap can also improve memory and reaction.
2. Relaxation
   Naps also have psychological benefits, providing relaxation and rejuvenation.

Negative Effects of Napping

1. Sleep Inertia
   Naps, especially those that last more than 10-20 minutes, can leave people with sleep inertia, which causes you to feel groggy and disoriented.
2. Nighttime Sleep Problems

   Naps can also have a negative effect on your sleep at night by throwing off your overall sleep pattern.
3. Heart Risks

   According to the National Sleep Foundation, napping is also associated with increased risk of heart failure for those who are already at risk.

Don’t have time to take a siesta? Make the most of nighttime shuteye by tracking your sleep. SleepTracker allows you to better understand what factors are positivity or negatively affecting your sleep patterns, visit our website to learn more.