“More than 85 percent of mammals are polyphasic sleepers, meaning they take short naps throughout the day.” ~ National Sleep Foundation. Most of the time, our average day is divided into two phases: waking up and sleeping. According to the cited statistics, 85 percent of all mammals in this group sleep every day. In other words, we are strange.
Apart from separating ourselves from most mammals, humans are probably the only ones who don’t get enough sleep: about 40% of us don’t get the recommended 7 hours a day. When falling asleep – a short rest not exceeding 90 minutes cannot correct our lack of sleep; It certainly improves our efficiency, health, well-being and mood.
Healthy sleep
What you may not know is that it is divided into three categories: emergency, habitual, and preparation.
A regular nap, that is, going to bed at the same time every day, is the healthiest option. For those who know that they will be going without sleep for a long time, they should be planned before the start of naps (training). As we’ve seen in work-related disasters, it’s not healthy to take a nap or fall asleep suddenly due to exhaustion.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends a 20-30 minute nap to increase alertness and performance. Any period of sleep lasting 30 to 60 minutes can lead to sleep inertia or a feeling of grogginess upon awakening. In any case, a 20-60 minute nap is often beneficial.
Benefits of sleep
- You are happier
Science shows that people who nap for 30 minutes or less in the middle of the day enjoy the afternoon “happy boost” more than those who nap longer than 30 minutes or don’t nap at all. - You can handle a slump
Our cycles experience a “drop” around 3 AM. – evolutionary breakdown. However, according to Harvard University, napping is an effective way to stop this decline. (Yes, it’s better than caffeine!) - You make fewer mistakes
According to the NSF, naps can improve work performance, reduce mistakes, and prevent accidents.