More Rest, Less Stress…
If you’re used to waking up feeling tired and have to fight the urge to pull the duvet over your head and grab an extra hour of much-needed sleep, you’re not alone. It seems that most people today are experiencing the effects of poor sleep and inadequate rest. It’s partly a result of stress but also a symptom of how we’ve lost touch with our bodies’ natural rhythms and the ancient patterns of rest and recuperation. In view of the physical problems associated with long-term fatigue, I think we can agree that it’s definitely time for a change.
I’ve referenced these issues in previous blogs and offered a range of simple but effective remedies to correct this wide-spread condition. Reserving the bedroom for sleep and switching off all electronic devices at least twenty minutes before you plan to close your eyes and slip into a deep and relaxing slumber is a sample of the ideas we’ve explored before. But you might also benefit from a very simple habit that could help you to compensate for those frequent nights of inadequate rest. You could benefit from a nap.
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This is a fascinating area to explore because we’ve known about the advantages of an afternoon snooze for decades. NASA test pilots, for example, are obliged to sleep for at least half an hour every afternoon. It’s a well-researched method for helping the brain to assimilate, file and analyse complex data and it typically results in a boost to cognitive function. This translates into an 18 to 23% improvement in mental clarity. I know. That’s a major improvement in our thinking capability. The period of sleep should be used before four in the afternoon to avoid conflicting with the body’s nocturnal rest requirements. The minimum recommended period of rest is twenty-seven minutes. So, if you can find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be disturbed, plan to take a restorative nap in the afternoon and notice how much fresher you feel. You’ll boost your productivity and tap into your natural creativity. Make it your new wellbeing habit and start to feel brighter, more refreshed and energised every day.