The ideal length of a nap

Napping is not a sign of laziness, far from it! This natural need can have many uses: improving productivity, fighting fatigue... in short, it contributes to the good personal development of a human being. Are you wondering where, how and when to take a nap during the day? Here are some tips for an effective and restorative nap, perfect for getting you back on your feet.

Reasons for a nap

Napping is a physiological need of the body. Indeed, the human body is not as awake, vigilant and productive from morning to night. The name siesta comes from the Latin "sexta", which corresponds to the sixth hour of the day, the time at which the human body begins to get tired. Several countries have understood the importance of resting during the day: this is the case in Spain, where napping is a well-known tradition, but also in Japan and China, where many companies look favorably on employees' naps. On the other hand, in France, napping is very rarely practiced, even if it is recommended by the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance (INSV). However, it has many benefits that are no longer in doubt, such as improved alertness, performance and memory, but it is also very good for physical health. In a society where people sleep less and less, and where sleep is disrupted by the constant lights of the city, napping is an excellent way to recover sleep time. In short, there are only good reasons to practice it!

The length of a good nap

There are different lengths of naps, depending on the adult's needs and available time.
The short nap: also called a flash nap or micro-nap, it lasts 5 minutes. This is a sufficient duration to significantly improve attention. It also allows you to relax. Very practical, it is characterized by a slowing down of the heart rate. However, just like at the beginning of a normal sleep phase, the person who takes a quick nap remains asleep not very deeply and can therefore get up at the slightest noise.
The standard nap, also called a power nap and a parking lot nap (because it can be done in your car, in a parking lot): it lasts 20 to 30 minutes, is relaxing and allows you to remain productive during the rest of the day.
The long nap: it lasts an hour and a half, or a complete sleep cycle. It helps compensate for a sleepless or shortened night, but is not recommended for people suffering from chronic insomnia because it could reduce the time and quality of sleep the following night.
Regardless of the length of the nap chosen, you should remember to set an alarm before going to sleep so as not to exceed the planned nap time.

The right time to take a nap

It is better not to fight your body, and not to fight against the first signs of drowsiness. As a general rule, the nap is taken just after lunch: this is particularly the case in Spain. Despite popular belief, the desire to sleep is not caused by digestion (even if it can accentuate them), but is triggered 12 hours after the middle of the night. So, even if the recommended time slot is between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. so as not to disturb the night, it is possible to take a nap at any time. The important thing: listen to your body and adapt.

The perfect place to take a nap

The choice of location depends of course on personal preferences, but also on the type of nap. For a 5-minute nap, an office chair may be enough. For a standard nap, a car seat, bed or sofa will do. Finally, for a long nap, it is recommended to lie down in a bed, as comfortably as for sleeping at night. It is also better to settle down in a quiet place, without passage, to avoid being disturbed.

Overcoming the Difficulties of Napping

To have a good, long, relaxing and regenerating nap, you need to rely on quality bedding. And for that, nothing beats the perfect comfort of the mattress alba pearl , rated 5, the perfect combination of softness and firm support!