Here are the 4 things Ayurveda says about Nap in the Afternoon
Highlights:
Why does Ayurveda say NO to afternoon Naps?
How to perform Nispanda bhava?
What is the alternative for an afternoon nap?
Who are the exceptions?
Conclusion
Nap in the Afternoon: Sleep is extremely important for good health. A good night’s sleep benefits hormonal balance, immune response modulation with many other benefits. Ahar and Nidra- food and sleep, are our basic needs. However, an afternoon nap has always been a debatable topic. Is it advisable to rest in the afternoon or not?
Afternoon sleep is extremely tempting especially after having a heavy lunch. Thus, relaxing in the afternoon sounds wonderful. However, Ayurveda advises not to sleep in the afternoon for many reasons. Some are mentioned below.
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Here are the 4 things Ayurveda says about Nap in the Afternoon.
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Why does Ayurveda say ‘NO’ to afternoon Naps?
Sleeping in the afternoon is not recommended for various reasons. One of which is that it increases Kapha. An increase in Kapha causes cold, puffiness, and lethargy. Therefore, naps in the afternoon are not advisable, but during the summer season, Ayurveda advises afternoon sleeping only when it is required.
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What is the alternative for an afternoon nap?
Taking a power nap is a good idea. Power nap revitalizes you, improves your memory, boosts your mood, increases your alertness, and reduces stress. You should focus on conscious relaxation. You can either lie down in Savasana for 10-15 minutes.
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However, this cannot be possible when you are in office. In that case, you can practice Nishpanda bhava. This yoga asana will relax your senses.
How to perform Nispanda bhava?
Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, listen to the sounds around you without your mind getting affected by them.
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Who are the exceptions?
Due to your hectic lifestyle, if you feel exhausted during the day, taking an afternoon nap can be beneficial for you. Ayurveda, as well as yoga, promotes afternoon naps only for those who feel extremely tired. This would help them rejuvenate themselves.
The ideal duration for an afternoon nap could be from 30-60 minutes. But never more than that. Napping for too long in the afternoon can put you to sleep. When you wake up from this stage, you feel dizzy, sleep-deprived and that would affect your night time sleep, which is wrong.
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What are the benefits of conscious relaxation?
The best alternative for anyone to refresh themselves from a lethargic afternoon is to practice relaxation consciously. In this technique, you are aware of the surroundings, and through your awareness, you begin to relax your entire body and mind.
Conscious relaxation has a beneficial impact rather than a deep nap, which can make you feel sleep-deprived. 10-15 minutes of conscious relaxation is equivalent to a feeling of eight hours of sleep. In addition, you will feel more energized and active in the later part of your day. And you will be able to concentrate better.
Therefore, to sum up, conscious relaxation is always suggested instead of a deep nap. But if you are really tired, maybe because of weakness or sleep deprivation, then you can take a short nap in the afternoon.
Keep in mind these important lessons of Nap in the Afternoon and plan your afternoon accordingly.
