How To Nap Like A Pro

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Boston Globe   |   June 19, 2008 04:26 PM



For years, naps have gotten a bad rap, derided as a sign of laziness, weakness, or senility. We are "caught" napping or "found asleep at the switch."

But lately napping has garnered new respect, thanks to solid scientific evidence that midday dozing benefits both mental acuity and overall health. A slew of new studies have shown that naps boost alertness, creativity, mood, and productivity in the later hours of the day.

A nap of 60 minutes improves alertness for up to 10 ours. Research on pilots shows that a 26-minute "NASA" nap in flight (while the plane is manned by a copilot) enhanced performance by 34 percent and overall alertness by 54 percent. One Harvard study published this year showed that a 45-minute nap improves learning and memory.

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Cutest picture ever.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 07:13 PM on 06/22/2008

Kids amaze me. When my kids were young and I was lucky to be a stay at home mom, I had my kids take 2 hour naps every single day and they loved it. (So did I) Naps are a wonderful thing. Too bad this country hasn't figured that out yet.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 10:54 AM on 06/20/2008

my grampa took afternoon naps every day and lived to be 92

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:28 AM on 06/20/2008
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OMG! She is too cute!

LOL

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:17 AM on 06/20/2008
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Cute as a button.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 11:48 PM on 06/19/2008
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Spain had this figured out long ago. Work a few hours then 2 or 3 hour break, food and nap included here, then back to work for a few more hours.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 08:34 PM on 06/19/2008
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Sleep deprivation is a risk factor for many serious problems, including diabetes, heart disease & Alzheimer's disease.
I am pleased to report that I will live forever.

    Favorite    Flag as abusive Posted 06:12 PM on 06/19/2008
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