Nanna Naps: Are they Good for You?

As a retirement-aged person, nothing sounds more delicious than taking a “Nanna Nap” in the afternoon. However, recent research by Harvard Medical School provides cause for rethink.

On the one hand, Harvard found that if you are in good health, short daytime sleeps can bring benefits: helping you catch up on a late night, making you feel less cranky, or ensuring you’re well rested if you do a job that falls outside traditional daytime work hours. They can also keep you safe on the road, protecting you from micro-sleep accidents.

On the other hand, it appears that some studies have found adults who take long naps during the day may be more likely to have conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The urge to sleep during the day may be a sign that they are not getting enough sleep at night, which is associated with a higher risk of developing those chronic conditions. Daytime drowsiness may also be a sign that you are getting low-quality sleep, which may indicate a sleep disorder.

Dr. Suzanne Bertisch, an Associate Physician and Clinical Director of Behavioral Sleep Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital recommends the following parameters around Nanna Naps:

• Time it right. The best time to sleep is the early afternoon, when your body experiences a natural circadian dip, says Dr. Bertisch. “If you take a nap in the late afternoon or evening, it will likely be harder to fall asleep later,” she says.

• Keep it short. Abbreviated sleeps, around 20 minutes, may be best to avoid grogginess when you wake up. Shorter naps can also help to prevent you from having trouble falling asleep that evening. Time it right by setting an alarm.

• Get comfortable. For a high-quality rest, be sure to find a quiet, cosy spot where you won’t be disturbed.

• Examine your motivation. “If you need to nap during the day, it is important to assess why you may be sleepy enough to fall asleep during the day, especially if you nap regularly,” says Dr. Bertisch. Track how much sleep you are getting at night. If you aren’t getting enough, try to improve your sleep habits. “If you are already getting at least seven or more hours of sleep at night and are still tired during the day, discuss this with your doctor,” she recommends.

• Topics:

• Seniors
• Health & Wellbeing