Experts recommend getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night, but it's easier said than done. Moreover, just because you manage to get shuteye for eight hours doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve had a wholesome and restful sleep cycle. In fact, the older you get, the more disrupted your sleep pattern gets and you can often wake up feeling tired and lazy in the morning.
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This is why it’s important to carve out 10 or 20 minutes for a power nap during the day—at least that’s what French neuroscientist Brice Faraut says in his new book, Saved by the Siesta: The Great Benefits of a Little Nap.
10-minute nap
Writing about his research in the Daily Mail, Faraut explains that a nap has the ability to ‘reverse the dangerous effects of poor sleep.’ The benefits of sneaking in a much-needed nap include weight loss, an improvement in mood, and it can also help beat sleep conditions like insomnia. Even a nap as short as 10 minutes can have a great impact on your body and mind.
That’s right! The neuroscientist pointed out that napping for 10 minutes will allow you to completely skip sleep inertia and as a result, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day right away. He also added that it is a ‘highly effective way to combat drowsiness and stimulate cognitive performance for about two hours.’
Limitations
For some, the problem with taking 10-minute naps is that there is a chance they'll exceed the time limit, end up napping for more than an hour, and then wake up feeling groggy and disoriented. But there is a way to prevent that from happening. Experts at Sleep Foundation suggests setting an alarm!
Lastly, keep in mind that a 10-minute nap is not going to solve all your health problems. As Faraut mentions, this is best for people who need a quick pick-me-up before a big meeting or during a hectic work day. However, those who are struggling with sleep-related conditions or are sick, may require longer periods of downtime. The duration depends on every individual's needs.
