Although we may view naps as ways to catch up on lost sleep, how does it affect our sleep at night?

Some people swear that a nap gives them energy during the day and allows them sleep during the night. Others find that napping prevents them from sleeping at night. Naps can be extremely helpful or disadvantageous, depending on how we use them. Most people feel the need to nap the most 8 hours after waking up in the morning. We want to sleep at this time because our body temperature dips to its second lowest point, with the lowest being at night when it’s time to sleep.

A low body temperature allows a person to fall asleep faster and sleep better. People who have some sleeping disorders don’t have their body temperature drop to the same low level. That’s why it is recommended you keep your sleep room temperature at a cool 60 to 65 degrees.

So when is a nap okay? A short, 30 minute nap at around 2pm is optimal timing for regaining energy for the rest of the day. Sleeping longer than 30 minutes can bring you into a REM cycle and being awaken out of that phase will leave you even more tired. Do not take a nap past 4pm, your body temperature goes back up at this time.

If on the other hand you feel so exhausted and absolutely need a nap, sleep for 90 minutes (a full sleep cycle). This will give you more energy but may screw around with your night time sleep times.

If you find that you need a nap everyday, take it at the same time. Having a sleep schedule is what the body needs and taking naps at random times on random days will mess up your sleep cycle and prevent you from falling asleep at night.

To recap: Nap for 30 minutes at 2ish. If you find that this helps you get through the day, make it a habit. If you still feel exhausted after 30 minutes, do a complete 90 minute nap cycle but be prepared to be less tired when night comes.

Editors Note:
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