Naptime’s Dark Side: When Daily Naps Hurt Sleep & How to Nap Right

We all love a good nap, right? That midday snooze can feel like a lifesaver, boosting our energy and mood. But what if your afternoon power nap is actually sabotaging your nighttime sleep? It’s true: for some, regular napping can do more harm than good. Let’s explore the science behind napping and how to make it work *for* you, not against you.

The Double-Edged Sword of Napping

Napping has long been touted as a way to improve alertness, elevate mood, sharpen memory, and even boost productivity. And in many cases, it is! Short, well-timed naps can indeed offer these benefits. However, long or poorly timed naps can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep at night and potentially even long-term sleep problems.

Understanding Your Body’s Sleep Clock

The key to healthy napping lies in understanding how our bodies regulate sleep and wakefulness. Our internal biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, dictates when we feel sleepy and when we feel alert. Napping too close to bedtime can throw this delicate balance off, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.