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Benefits of napping in healthy adults: impact of nap length, time of day, age, and experience with napping.

Authors :
Milner CE
Cote KA
Source :
Journal of sleep research [J Sleep Res] 2009 Jun; Vol. 18 (2), pp. 272-81.
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

Napping is a cross-cultural phenomenon which occurs across the lifespan. People vary widely in the frequency with which they nap as well as the improvements in alertness and well-being experienced. The systematic study of daytime napping is important to understand the benefits in alertness and performance that may be accrued from napping. This review paper investigates factors that affect the benefits of napping such as duration and temporal placement of the nap. In addition, the influence of subject characteristics such as age and experience with napping is examined. The focus of the review is on benefits for healthy individuals with regular sleep/wake schedules rather than for people with sleep or medical disorders. The goal of the review is to summarize the type of performance improvements that result from napping, critique the existing studies, and make recommendations for future research.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1365-2869
Volume :
18
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of sleep research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
19645971
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2869.2008.00718.x