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Afternoon naps: How they can improve your health. With more of us working from home since the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more people are taking a nap during their lunch break. Dreams’ sleep expert, Sammy Margo says: ”In today's fast-paced world, the benefits to tucking yourself up and indulging in a short nap should not be underestimated or frowned upon.” "We're often reminded to step away from our desks to maintain focus and wellbeing, and when working from home, a nap can be a valuable part of these breaks.” “Napping should be seen as quite the opposite of being lazy, it can boost productivity, support mental and physical health. What's more, it helps us stay in tune with our bodies - an essential part of an effective self-care routine.” So, how can a quick nap help you? Sammy has the lowdown. Better physical and mental health Taking a nap during the day can have benefits such as reducing stress and lowering blood pressure. ”Even just 10-20 minutes is like pressing reset on your day, boosting your alertness, reducing stress levels and improving emotional regulation.” In terms of physical benefits, the sleep expert adds that napping can help lower cortisol levels, which can "ease stress, and may also improve cardiovascular function and lower blood pressure”. "Enough rest is also important for your immune system, so if your body is crying out for a nap, listening to it can help protect you against illnesses.” Enjoy a better night's sleep While you might think that napping during the day would lead to a poor night's sleep, it can actually do the opposite. “If your eyes are drooping or you're struggling to conceal your yawns during video calls, it's a sign you're overtired at work. There's no shame in taking a brief nap to feel more rested and refreshed. Contrary to popular belief, naps don't always disrupt night-time sleep.” "In fact, daytime fatigue can make it harder to sleep at night, and a quick nap can help as long as it's between 10 and 90 minutes.” However, she cautions that daytime naps aren't always for everyone, as they can interfere with some people's sleep patterns and leave them feeling groggy.
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