MONDAY: This coming Monday is an important day in the U.S. It’s not one that closes the postal service or banks, but it’s one that we could argue is just as important as others.
As the day after Daylight Savings Time, it’s National Napping Day!
Spring ahead and lose an hour of sleep. And on Monday, take time for a refreshing nap.
Mid-afternoon naps are an integral part of many cultures. In Spain, some shops close from 2 to 4 p.m. to allow people a break from the heat. Not many of the people actually sleep; surveys have shown just 18% of the population take a siesta during the time.
Naps can be good for us. The Mayo Clinic says the benefits include allowing your body to relax, which can lead to being more alert, less tired and the ability to think more clearly.
Naps aren’t for everybody. Some folks have a tough time sleeping during the day, and tend to wake up groggy and have trouble sleeping at night.
Limit naps to 20 to 40 minutes, and nap between 1 and 4 p.m. if you are older.
If you tend to be one of those people who watch evening television through the backs of your eyelids, know that isn’t considered ideal. The blue light from the television can disrupt your sleep cycle. And even if you’re drowsy, the flickering images and sounds from the TV can keep your brain slightly stimulated and prevent deep sleep, leading to a lack of quality sleep and fatigue the next day.
If that’s your go-to for falling asleep at night, there are other methods to try. Dim the lights and read a book — an actual, physical book rather than an e-book.