why do we nap?

Question

why do we nap and how much is nap time is healthy?

Answer 1

to rest the body, and relax because you are tired.

Answer 2

Naps in adulthood can be kinda bad for your system. I know that when I take a nap during the day I go to bed later. Also, I have found that taking a nap at a certain time one day will make you sleepy around that same time the NEXT day. Your body is actually designed for a moderate amount of sleep. Less sleep is better than too much... but, as with everything in life, moderation is key. I have to fight passed my "want" to nap in the middle of the day in order to have a better night's rest.

Power naps are good for you. These are no more than a 1/2 hour long, and after you wake up you feel as if you have slept much longer. These are good because they don't put your body into REM (rapid eye movement) mode, which is where your body re-boots itself. You end up just getting a nice boost.

Note: REM sleep is GOOD... it's just a much deeper sleep than what a power nap wants to produce!

Answer 3

During the work day, I try to take a 30-40 minute nap at lunch time. I feel refreshed after wards and do not feel like I might nod off later in the afternoon. Some studies have been done on this 'nooner' thing. I started it while in the Navy (many sailors do it) and have carried it on to my civilian career. In fact, I'm on vacation on the outer banks of N.C. (yup in January...upper 60's, lower 70's)and just woke from a nap a bit ago. The breeze is blowing in the window, I can see some dolphins and I am ready to go until 1 a.m. at least, again tonight.

Answer 4

The answer to your question is not a simple one by any means. The first thing we must understand is why we sleep, and scientists are still not exactly sure. Current theories are that it allows the brain to repair itself and actually reinforces connections during R.E.M. sleep to help us retain what we learned during the day. We also know that sleep is absolutely critical to health. The immune system is strengthened during sleep, and white blood cells are produced, which fight infections (without them we are helpless against even the common cold). Of course sleep also allows for tissue repair in the body. Experiments show that going for too long without sleep can actually lead to brain damage (this takes at least a week though and can only be done through experimental settings which prevent people from falling asleep), and death can result after a while due to the immune system weakening significantly. Now that I have established certain facts about sleep, I think I can more accurately answer your specific question. Most humans sleep once in a 24 hour period, but many take mid-afternoon naps. This time is commonly referred to as the "mid-afternoon slump." The theory for why we get tired during mid-afternoon has to do with our African ancestry (yes it is thought that the homo sapien species dispersed from the African continent). Simply put, it is hot in Africa, and humans would benefit by resting during the hottest time of day, which is mid-afternoon, and then proceeding with their activities after the nap. A nap benefits us in the same way that sleep does, and in this case allows us to conserve energy so we can be capable during the rest of the day. Although most of us don't live in Africa, this tendency to nap in the mid-afternoon is a vestigial behavior passed down through thousands of years.

Answer 5

Naps are good not at work though. Power naps for 10 to 15 minutes can revitalize your body.

Answer 6

Because we are tired. If you seem to be having too much napping get checked by a doctor.

Answer 7

to rest the eyes mostly

Answer 8

our bodies needs rest!!!