A Scientific Review: Daytime Napping as a Beneficial Health Practice

Daytime napping is a common practice across many cultures and has recently gained significant scientific attention due to its potential benefits on cardiovascular health, brain function, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Short naps, especially ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, are believed to improve alertness, memory, and mood without causing sleep inertia. Recent evidence also suggests a link between regular controlled napping and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, prolonged daytime sleep may lead to adverse outcomes such as sleep fragmentation, metabolic disturbance, and increased risk of cognitive decline in some populations. This paper reviews available research evidence regarding the health benefits and risks of daytime napping and proposes guidelines for safe and effective nap practices.