Sleep: Here's Why We Should Take An Afternoon Nap After Lunch (2024)

FAQs

Sleep: Here's Why We Should Take An Afternoon Nap After Lunch? ›

Research studies have found that napping can: Reduce tiredness. Increase mental ability. Improve memory.

To avoid the health risks of sleeping too soon after a meal, experts generally recommend waiting at least a half hour after drinking fluids and at least 2–3 hours after having solid foods before lying down to go to sleep.

A siesta (from Spanish, pronounced [ˈsjesta] and meaning "nap") is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal. Such a period of sleep is a common tradition in some countries, particularly those in warm-weather zones.

Walking immediately or soon after a meal is ideal, Dr. Li says, as “it will help 'burn down' glucose in the bloodstream to avoid high glucose spikes which can cause elevated insulin spikes and metabolic stress on the body.”

While a 30- to 90-minute nap in older adults appears to have brain benefits, anything longer than an hour and a half may create problems with cognition, the ability to think and form memories, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

A siesta is a short sleep or rest which you have in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries.

Digestion benefits and left-side sleeping

However, the location of the stomach is a clue. The stomach's natural position is on the left side, where it can digest food more effectively. Gravity helps the waste travel from the small intestine to the large intestine.

Naps are important for a developing child, but there comes a time when napping simply falls away. Every child is different, but most kids start reducing naptime around 18 months and dropping their afternoon nap sometime between the ages of 3 and 4.

Weight gain

Going to sleep directly after you eat means your body doesn't get a chance to burn off those calories. In fact, eating a big meal and then hitting the couch can be just as harmful. Eating an early dinner allows your body time to burn off extra calories before you go to sleep.

The best position depends on your unique needs, but back or side sleeping is considered better than stomach sleeping. Side sleeping may reduce snoring and heartburn and prevent back pain.

Is it better to sit or lay down after eating? ›

Healthy Eating Habits

Avoid laying down after eating: Keep upright for two to three hours after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort and aid digestion. Eat a well-balanced diet: Plan meals that include fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

Most experts in the Western part of the world suggest waiting 2 to 3 hours after eating to nap. Doing so earlier may mess with your body's ability to digest food. However, there's an ayurvedic practice that suggests it improves digestion when you rest right after lunch.

What Does Sleep Look Like in Older Adults? According to their internal body clock, most older adults need to go to sleep around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. and wake up at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Many people fight their natural inclination to sleep and choose to go to bed several hours later instead.

Changes in sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and lifestyles in older life make older adults more prone to taking naps during the daytime [4]. Older adults also take naps to counter excessive sleepiness and fatigue from comorbidities or medications [5].

The aging process can be hard on the body. It's not easy, and it can result in excess fatigue. Not only that, but the elderly often experience a decline in the quality of their nighttime sleep, which results in them being tired during the day. Maybe they can't quite get comfortable because of different aches and pains.

Observational data suggest that late food intake is associated with impaired sleep quality. It is advisable to wait atleast 2 hours after food before sleeping.

When should you lie down after eating? To promote better health in the long run, experts advise waiting at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. Engaging in light physical activity such as a short walk and adopting habits can improve digestion and help to manage weight and overall health.

Experts recommend waiting at least three hours after you've eaten to go to bed. This allows your body time to digest your food so you're not up at night with an upset stomach, indigestion, or acid reflux. And it helps you stay asleep. Don't forego a meal to follow this rule.

Is it bad to lie down after eating? You should try to stay upright after eating. Lying down soon after a meal can increase your risk of heartburn or acid reflux. Try sitting on a couch and leaning on a pillow instead of lying down if you're very tired.