Nap Time? Health Education Goes Back to the Basics |
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May 1, 2007
by Kate Robb
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Who doesn't love a nap? For most of us, the idea brings back warm images of a kindergarten mat or an extra-long dorm bed. A career in health education often involves teaching patients and the public about the most basic strategies that help the body heal itself.
Finding the Get-Up-And-Go
Napping during the day sounds luxurious, until you think about how much more efficient and healthy you can be with a little more sleep. We've long known that sleep gives the body time to process information it has acquired and to heal from the day. Now, research is showing that naps during the day not only give you energy, but may help prevent heart attacks.
Prophylactic Napping
Health education experts are always looking for ways to help their patients ward off accidents, injuries, and illness before they occur. Many researches argue that taking a short nap every day will help more than waiting until you're too tired to function. NASA conducted a study that found that even short naps (24 minutes long) "significantly improved a pilot's alertness and performance on trans-Atlantic flights." Dr. David Dinges, with University of Pennsylvania, suggests a napping routine to help avoid the brain "sputters" that occur when we're sleep deprived.
The Nap How-To
Alternative health care and traditional educators agree on the need for naps, but all naps are not equal. Most people get tired in the afternoon no matter how much they ate for lunch, and some research shows that a nap eight hours after waking is best, so a brief afternoon nap usually works for most people.
In recent years, we've overlooked the nap, but there's no reason to feel guilty any more. If you're interested in preventative health education, send your patients off with a pillow, some ear plugs, and permission to sleep tight.
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About the Author
Kate Robb is the daughter of a massage therapist and a psychotherapist. She is also a university professor.
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