Daytime Napping Good or Bad: Sleep is very important for both our body and mind. Many serious diseases can arise without sleep. This is why health experts recommend taking 7 to 8 hours of good sleep every day. Sleep helps in removing physical and mental fatigue of the day. Usually, between 2 and 4 pm, people feel sleepy and sluggish, which is called postprandial dip. For this reason many people like to take a nap in the afternoon. However, the question is whether afternoon sleep is beneficial or harmful for health?

Sleep experts believe that a power nap of 20 to 30 minutes in the afternoon can refresh the mind. Taking limited naps can improve alertness, mood and performance. This is especially beneficial for those people who are unable to get enough sleep at night or whose work involves mental focus. Short naps help to reset the brain. However, one should not take long sleep in the afternoon. This may affect night sleep. If you sleep for 60 to 90 minutes or more in the afternoon, it may delay sleep at night.

Some research has indicated that taking short naps can benefit the body’s immune system. Taking some rest in the afternoon can reduce stress hormones, allowing the body to fight infections better. However, this benefit also depends on the lifestyle of the person. Sleeping during the day can be harmful for people who have insomnia. At the same time, excessive daytime sleepiness in the elderly can sometimes be a sign of some health problem. Therefore it is important to understand your individual needs and health condition.