Recent Blog Articles
Resistance bands: 3 great ways to build upper body strength
American Heart Association issues statement on cardiovascular side effects from hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
More movement, better memory
Improving access to hearing aids
Can mindfulness change your brain?
Five lifestyle factors that can help prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease
Transient ischemic attacks: Varied symptoms, all important
5 inflammation-fighting food swaps
Is IBD an underrecognized health problem in minority groups?
Sickle cell disease in newborns and children: What families should know and do
Snoozing without guilt — a daytime nap can be good for health, reports the Harvard Health Letter
The nap has long been the troubled stepchild of the universally admired good night’s sleep. New research is showing that the daytime snooze may have health benefits without interfering with nighttime sleep, reports the November 2009 issue of the Harvard Health Letter.
Naps, of course, are an antidote to daytime sleepiness, which can tug at the eyelids for a variety of reasons. It’s common to have a little “hump” of midafternoon sleepiness, something that a nap can smooth out nicely. And while some people worry about napping more as they get older, new research suggests adding daytime sleep to your schedule as a way to make up for the normal, age-related decay in the quality of nighttime sleep.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.