CIRCLE OF WELLNESS: PULL OUT YOUR PILLOW-

That’s right— there is now proof that catching a few zzz's in the afternoon can be beneficial to your health.
"Research shows that the benefits of naps include increased productivity, alertness, creativity, problem solving ability, lowers stress levels, rejuvenates the body and enhances moods," said Kathleen Grace-Bishop, Director of Health Education at Health Services.

A recent study by the Institute of Medicine in Washington, D.C., estimates that 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleeping disorders, "hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting health and longevity."  The report, released on April 4, describes how sleep deprivation and sleep disorders negatively affect a person's health, performance and overall well-being.  According to Marci Cleary, spokesperson for the National Sleep Foundation, naps are beneficial to those people who are sleep deprived.  The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration agrees: 100,000 to 150,000 car crashes a year are caused by drowsiness.  I am sure you are probably thinking:  “What about my sleep at night?”  Truth is, one of the biggest myths about taking a nap is people think it will hinder their nighttime sleep.

Obviously, if you lay down for about 4 hours in the evening, and wake up at 10p.m. expecting to go to bed at 11:00p.m., you’ll be in for a long night. While each individual is different, it is suggested that 20 - 90 minute naps are optimal and do not affect nighttime sleep. The best time to nap is 1-3pm, when the sun is at its peak. (Ever hear of the siesta in Spain or Mexico?) Consider this, humans are the only mammals that sleep in 1 phase per day. All other animals sleep in multi-phases, just watch your dog or cat everyday, they love to take naps!

 www.sleepfoundation.org