


Most experts recommend that healthy people who are not sleep-deprived take short naps, defined as ranging from five to 20 minutes. The ideal nap length depends on an individual’s unique situation, as well as what they want from the nap. Naps may also reduce the risk of car crashes due to drowsy driving. A nap taken before working overnight or during a night shift can reduce sleepiness and improve mental ability and work performance. Studies show napping might be particularly helpful for people who cannot sleep during regular nighttime hours, such as those who work rotating schedules or at night. In fact, researchers have identified a nap paradox, in which many studies find naps provide benefits, while others find napping is associated with illnesses. Research studies have found that napping can:Īlthough research has demonstrated that naps can give a boost to both sleep-deprived people and those who obtain enough sleep, study findings are inconsistent.

Napping is considered an integral part of sleep for young children, but the practice may provide benefits to adults, too. For this reason, getting adequate sleep is of utmost importance. A lack of adequate sleep, in terms of either quantity or quality, increases a person’s risk of car crashes, work accidents, and a variety of health problems. Nearly one-third of adults and 73% of high school students in the United States fall short on sleep.
