TYLER, TX (KLTV) – Feeling a little sluggish in the afternoon? A quick nap might be just what your body needs.
When it comes to naps, shorter is better, says Dr. Carla Wang Kosick, a pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine specialist at UT Health East Texas.
“Even a short nap of 15 to 20 minutes a day can be extremely beneficial, especially for children under the age of five,” she explains.
A recent Cornell University study found that a short nap may be more effective than caffeine at boosting cognitive function, improving memory, stimulating creativity, and helping you regain focus — without the jittery side effects of drinking too much coffee.
Long naps during the day can be problematic for people who struggle to sleep at night. Napping for as long as an hour can be a sign of poor sleep habits. For children, it's also important to monitor their sleep habits, especially screen time before bedtime, which can disrupt natural sleep patterns.
“Napping or excessive daytime sleepiness can also be a sign of something pathological, something else going on in your body,” says Wank-Kosick. Sometimes it's just that you're not getting enough sleep or not getting enough sleep. But sometimes it's just your body letting you know there's another issue going on that needs a little more attention.”
To stay healthy, we recommend checking your sleeping habits and the quality of your rest.
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