New findings on the best time to take a nap

The study, conducted by Talker Research - an American research agency, surveyed 2,000 participants from January 23 to 27, to look at how people nap and find out what makes some people nap better than others.

Researchers looked at napping habits, preferences, and the impact of napping on different aspects of life.

Phát hiện mới về thời điểm tốt nhất để ngủ trưa - Ảnh 1. — Research finds that the perfect nap time is 1:42 p.m.

Sleep—especially napping—affects mood, concentration, and overall health, says Nick Bach, PhD, a psychologist at Grace Psychological Services. Many people nap wrongly and then wonder why they feel sluggish instead of refreshed.

The best time to take a nap

Notably, the study found that the perfect nap time is 1:42 p.m. One of the biggest mistakes people make is napping too late, explains Dr. Bach. If you nap in the late afternoon or early evening, it can interfere with your nighttime sleep. Ideally, nap before 3 p.m. to maintain your sleep schedule, according to the research site Study Finds.

Why is this the best time for a nap?

The benefits were clear: Results showed that people who napped at 1:42 p.m. felt more productive immediately after waking up.

Phát hiện mới về thời điểm tốt nhất để ngủ trưa - Ảnh 2. — People who took a nap at 1:42 p.m. felt more productive immediately after waking up.

Interesting effects of naps

The study also found some interesting findings: People who regularly nap may have better social lives. The study found that “nappers” have more active social lives, which can improve mental, physical, and cognitive health as they age, compared to non-nappers. In particular, nappers have more satisfying love lives compared to non-nappers.

How long is the best nap?

The results found that most people typically nap for 51 minutes and wake up at 2:33 p.m.

However, it's worth noting - napping for too long can make you feel worse than not napping at all.

Research has found that napping for longer than 1 hour and 26 minutes is considered the “danger zone.” At this point, you may feel groggy and disoriented instead of refreshed.

But the 51-minute nap that many people prefer can be too long. If you nap too long, you risk falling into a deep sleep, making it harder to wake up, warns Dr. Bach. A quick 20-minute nap is perfect for recharging without the dreaded sleep inertia, according to Study Finds.