Apparently there’s a link between short naps and happiness and it’s just confirmed all my suspicions.
Of course sleep is one of those beautiful things which provides all sorts of health benefits – as if we needed any more persuading to bed down for the night – and now it seems napping is better for you than we first thought, according to the Independent.
It’s so good for you, it’s even been given its own state – nappiness – yes that’s right and no we didn’t come up with it. Sadly.
Apparently taking short naps can increase your productivity and overall health so much, that scientists are actively encouraging bosses to let workers bunk off and take a nap in the afternoon.
Professor Richard Wiseman, from the University of Hertfordshire, said:
Previous research has shown that naps of under 30 minutes make you more focused, productive and creative, and these new findings suggest the tantalising possibility that you can also become happier by just taking a short nap.
Similarly, longer napping is associated with several health risks and, again, this is in line with our results.
This day-making study was carried out at the Edinburgh International Science Festival and surveyed 1,000 participants on their napping tenancies and their wellbeing.
The ‘nappers’ were then given a a ‘nappiness score’ (it all sounds like it’s getting a bit ridiculous now, but stick with me) to determine how their nap could affect their state of mind.
The results showed those who had a quick nap in the day, scored 3.67, out of five on the ‘happiness’ scale, with non-nappers scoring 3.52 and those who enjoy a lengthy nap at 3.44.
So it seems short naps are the way forward over longer naps if you really want to give your mood a boost, with 66 per cent of quick nappers reporting a happier state of mind over 56 per cent of long-time-nappers.
This is great news. Next time your bosses catch you napping on the job, just say it’s to boost your health and productivity.
It’s not being lazy. It’s science.
