Small Beauty Sleeps

Cayla Ames--A nap for the day keeps the stress away.

As young children we were required to take naps and now in college we would give anything to have them back.
All the stress, homework and overall busyness of life can make a person tired and even exhausted. However the solution to this problem can be just a few ZZZ’s away.

“I take naps during the day only after nights where I was unable to sleep or did not get much sleep due to studying or staying up late,” Ashley Demerjian, junior, said. “If I have a lot to do later that day or a night class I know I need to attend then I will take a nap and it does help me get through the rest of the day.”

According to a 2008 study by, 45 minute daytime nap has many health benefits such as increased memory function and lower blood pressure.

Though blood pressure is not an immediate concern for most college students, taking care of yourself now will help prevent health problems in the future. Memory function, however, is an immediate concern. Tests and projects fill the minds of college students across the nation and they need all the help that they can get.

“If I had time during the day, I would definitely nap,” Carly Thomas, a junior, said. “However due to my difficult classes, long days and never-ending homework, my sleep is limited to night time.” lists the top 10 benefits of napping. With these benefits its tempting to take a snooze right this minute:
1. Less Stress
2.Increased alertness and productivity.
3. Improved memory and learning.
4. Good for the heart.
5. Increased cognitive functioning.
6. More motivation to exercise.
7. Boost creativity.
8. Make up for midnight tossing and turning.
9. Protect yourself from sleepiness.
10. Better health.

In a recent study, researchers at NASA found that a 30 minute power nap increased cognitive functions by approximately 40 percent. An IQ test carried out on one thousand volunteers proved that those who continued working without rest had lower scores.

Naps are not only a way to get back on track for the day, they also provide lifelong health benefits. If you have difficulty falling asleep, follow these simple tips from for a pleasant snooze and beneficial health outcomes:
1. Turn out the lights.
2.Try ear plugs, for genuine peacefulness.
3. Use an eye mask.
4. Turn off the TV.
5. Lie down. suggest that it takes 50 percent longer to fall asleep if you are sitting up.

A midday snooze could very well be the pick-me-up you were looking for.