Sleep warning as experts say 'do not nap' after this time of day
Sleep warning as experts say 'do not nap' after this time of day
Share:
Sleep experts have advised against napping at a specific time of day, warning it could lead to more problems that night. Many of us suffer from sleeping issues on occasion. Factors such as stress, anxiety, illness, injury, and even the weather can make it difficult to get the full seven to nine hours kip we are supposed to have every night.
According to the NHS, one in three of us will experience some form of sleep issue at some point. A common solution to the symptoms that come with a lack of sleep at night is to grab some shut-eye during the day. Napping can also become more common in the winter months as temperatures drop, nights draw in, and seasonal illnesses hit. Over the festive period many people also have a day time nap as the indulgences of food and alcohol make us sleepy.
While a short nap here and there is fine and even brings with it some benefits, you need to be careful about when you choose to do it. The Sleep Foundation warns that napping after 3pm could lead to insomnia later on. If possible you should nap at least eight hours before your planned bedtime to avoid this. The foundation says: “Experts typically recommend that adults take naps eight or more hours before bedtime. For most people, that means napping before 3 pm. Napping too late in the day may contribute to nighttime sleep problems.”.