Naps are good for us, here’s how to have the perfect siesta

Are you a fan of sleep? Well, it turns out naps are officially good for you! Yup, multiple studies from the likes of Flinders University and University College London have confirmed various benefits to having a little nap in the day. These range from helping with creativity, to brain power, to memory, mood, and alertness.

With that in mind, and considering the heat on our shoulders this summer, we’ve decided it’s time to advocate for siestas in the United Kingdom. In other countries, especially Spain, the working day basically stops for the hottest hours of the day (often from 2pm - 5pm). There’s evidence suggesting that napping is good for productivity, and also that siestas aren’t bad for the economy. It’s all giving four day week vibes to us!

If the idea of taking the hottest part of the day indoors, having a little nap, and then feeling nice and fresh for the evening ahead sounds good to you, then give it a try! Ideally, a power nap should be 10-20 minutes, while a longer one should be around an hour and a half. Anything in between means you enter deep sleep but won’t have enough time for an entire sleep cycle and so you’re likely to wake up feeling groggy.

If you’re wondering just how in 30 degree heat at 2pm you’re going to be able to cool down and switch off enough for a 20 minute nap, don’t worry. There’s plenty you can do. From harnessing herbs to breathing exercises. We’ll explain all below.

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