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A sleep expert has revealed how to have a nap without waking up or feeling groggy, having explained there are several reasons why you sometimes feel sick after a little mid-day snooze.
Taking a nap can feel like the BEST thing in the world sometimes, leaving you refreshed and reenergised and ready to get back to the day.
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Other times, however, you might wake up feeling absolutely rubbish – and even nauseous – which leaves you wondering if it was ever a good idea in the first place.
According to Martin Seeley, Sleep Expert and CEO of MattressNextDay, there are a number of reasons why naps can make you feel sick, but thankfully there are also various ways to counter that horrible ‘off’ feeling.
This includes the fact you’re disrupting your sleep schedule, with Seeley saying: “Napping can disrupt your sleep schedule and make it harder for you to fall asleep at night.
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“This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can cause fatigue and feelings of sickness.”
Naps can also leave you sleeping ‘too long’, Seeley believes.
“Napping for too long can cause you to wake up feeling groggy and disoriented, known as sleep inertia,” he continued.
“This can cause feelings of sickness, dizziness, and headache.”
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There’s also the issue of sleeping in a poor environment, which might be ‘noisy or uncomfortable’.
“It can disrupt your sleep quality and cause feelings of sickness,” Seeley said.
Noted!
Finally, it may also come down to underlying health conditions, with Seeley explaining: “Certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea, can cause feelings of sickness after napping.
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“It's important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent feelings of sickness after napping. Having a good nap can help boost your energy levels and productivity throughout the day.”
Fortunately, Seeley also shared his top tips for good naps:
- Time your nap: Aim for a nap that lasts between 20-30 minutes. This is usually enough time to recharge without feeling groggy after waking up. Longer naps can lead to sleep inertia and can make you feel sluggish and groggy.
- Find a comfortable place to nap: Choose a quiet and comfortable place to nap. Make sure the temperature is comfortable, the lighting is low, and the noise level is low. If you can, try to lie down instead of sitting up.
- Relax before napping: Take a few minutes to relax before napping. Try deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind and body.
- Set an alarm: Set an alarm to wake up from your nap after 20-30 minutes. This will help you avoid oversleeping and feeling groggy.
- Practice napping regularly: If possible, try to take a nap at the same time each day. This will help your body adjust to a regular nap schedule and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
According to Seeley, by following these tips, you can have a great nap that helps you feel refreshed and energised throughout the day, which sounds like just what I need!
Jess Hardiman