A sleep expert explains why naps might be making you feel sick – and how to overcome it

A sleep expert explains why naps might be making you feel sick – and how to overcome it

Credit: Getty

Sleep


A sleep expert explains why naps might be making you feel sick – and how to overcome it

By Amy Beecham

2 years ago

3 min read

Turns out there’s a wrong way to catch some daytime Z’s. 

Waking up from a good nap may well be one of life’s greatest joys. Those hazy few moments after you open your eyes and everything is right with the world. That rested, restored feeling deep in your bones. 

Well, it turns out that not everyone is lucky enough to experience post-nap bliss. In fact, some say they’re left feeling sick or groggy after a doze, which can be frustrating and counterproductive.

As Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay tells Stylist, napping can and should be a refreshing and energizing way to combat fatigue and increase productivity. According to the National Sleep Foundation of the USA, many studies point out that daytime rest reduces daytime sleepiness, as well as boosts learning and performance.

But if this isn’t the case for you, Seeley suggests that there might be several reasons why naps make you feel sick.

Firstly, if you’re napping at the wrong times, it may actually be disrupting your sleep schedule, making it harder for you to fall asleep at night. “This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can cause fatigue and feelings of sickness,” says Seeley.

According to the Sleep Foundation, experts typically recommend that adults take naps eight or more hours before bedtime. For most people, that means napping before 3 p.m.

You may also be sleeping for too long – known as sleep inertia – which can cause feelings of sickness, dizziness, and headache. Researchers often suggest that a 20 minute nap is the best length, as it allows your mind and body to rest without entering the deeper stages of sleep.

Seeley also warns that sleeping in a poor environment, like somewhere noisy or uncomfortable, can disrupt your sleep quality and cause feelings of sickness.

Finally, certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea, can cause feelings of sickness after napping. “It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent feelings of sickness after napping,” Seeley adds. “Having a good nap can help boost your energy levels and productivity throughout the day.”

A woman who is asleep

Credit: Getty

Seeley also has some handy tips to help you have a good nap.

Time your nap: “Aim for a nap that lasts between 20-30 minutes. This is usually enough time to recharge without feeling groggy after waking up. Longer naps can lead to sleep inertia and can make you feel sluggish and groggy,” he says.

Find a comfortable place to nap: “Choose a quiet and comfortable place to nap. Make sure the temperature is comfortable, the lighting is low, and the noise level is low. If you can, try to lie down instead of sitting up,” he suggests.

Relax before napping: He also advises taking a few minutes to relax before napping. “Try deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind and body,” he adds.

Set an alarm: Another top tip is to set an alarm to wake up from your nap after 20-30 minutes. This will help you avoid oversleeping and feeling groggy.

Practice napping regularly: “If possible, try to take a nap at the same time each day. This will help your body adjust to a regular nap schedule and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up,” he concludes.

By following these tips, you can have a good nap that helps you feel refreshed and energized throughout the day. 


Images: Getty

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