Should You Nap? The Truth About How Napping Impacts Your Sleep

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In this video, Dr. O shares the science behind the pros and cons of napping.
Here is a link to Dr. O's 6.5 hour course about Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss:
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This Video Presentation is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or symptom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this informational and educational Video Presentation. Your use and reliance on this Video Presentation is at your sole risk. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

[@jameserwin3734]

Thanks again! This is very helpful! I nap when my body tells me to do so. I am trying to experiment with the NASA nap of 26 minutes. Their equation is that it takes 6 minutes to enter a sleep state and then one gets a full 20 minute nap which is refreshing. I am fasting so only got 5 hours sleep last night. I usually take a 90 minute nap as that is one complete sleep cycle. There is some grogginess on waking, but I feel very refreshed and unless I am fasting, it does not interfere with my night time sleep time. I am awake off and on through the night about 1 and 1/2 hours every night, so usually have to allow at least 9 hours to get maybe 7 1/2 hours sleep. I meditate (TM) twice daily which may also burn up Adenosine causing me to not sleep as deep or as long at night. I remember once returning from Hawaii to Colorado and due to jet lag, I was so exhausted and tired that I fell asleep the instant my bed hit the pillow. Maybe I should “go til I drop?” 😅

[@Joy80JJ]

Since being a toddler I hated nap time so I've been told..I am in my late 50's & never nap unless feeling sickly which is rare. I sleep 7-9 hours every night & never feel tired or run down to take a nap. I do cardio 4x wk by walking/cycling & do resistance training 2x wk. I have so much energy I am not tired during the day to even consider a nap.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

That is so great to hear! I am the same way now. I was even able to convince my doctor that I no longer had sleep apnea when I told him that I never nap and most days I don't even yawn. He let me take another sleep study and I was given a clean bill of health. I guess losing 200 pounds will have that effect on someone :)

[@td4611]

I’m 60 years old and I absolutely hate naps. The only time I take a nap is when I’m deathly sick. I bet I haven’t taken more than 10 naps in my adult life.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Same here@@td4611. I think I have taken 1 nap in 3 years. The last time I took a good nap was when I got COVID in December 2020 My wife never naps, either. But I do know people who love napping. This is yet another way that we are unique and need to find what works for us

[@SBDavin]

As you said, it's different for each person. I find an occasional short 10-15 minute afternoon nap gives me a nice brain reset.

[@monikawashington1305]

Me too, sometimes I need that 15 min reset.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Absolutely. There is nothing wrong with a quick brain reset :). I am glad that you have found what works for you.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I think a brain reset is a great way to look at napping. a 15 minute reset has a much different effect than crashing for 60 minutes. I am glad you found what works best for you :)

[@ZoeFPV]

Have noticed with ADF & Ketosis that my /required/ sleep has decreased. Normally only need 4-6 hours to feel fully rested now, vs the 7-9 before. If anything a nap is just a nice way for my body to fully rest after a lot of mental and physical activity, but not because I'm sleepy.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Well said, as always :). I have noticed the same thing, but not to the same extent. I used to sleep until about 6:30 on most days, but now that I am ketovore + fasting I wake up about 5 and feel ready to attack the day. I am getting ready to create a video series about fasting and sleep. I will cover all of the science behind how fasting improves sleep, but the main reason I am doing it is because a lot of people struggle to sleep well when they switch to ADF. I want to help them get the best sleep they can to help maximize the benefits. I am excited to get it done. I will combine 2 of my passions (fasting and sleep) I am pouring over the research now. I hope that all is well :)

[@jillmcnutt7985]

Informative! Thanks.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am happy to hear that it was helpful :). Here are the rest of my sleep videos if you want to learn more: kzbin.info/aero/PL7zPcraYKbGBk9aWchfX9F9-zRa0QU7Pe Reach out if you have any questions.

[@jillmcnutt7985]

@@GrowGrayMatter that’s helpful, thank you! Sleep was hard for me for a while and I implemented a few things to assist in better sleep and it’s worked! So, I’ll take any help in that area. On an off note to self; don’t bake or cook in the morning while fasting so as not to taste and break a fast! 🙄😂

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Baking in the fasted state does sound like a scary scenario :)@@jillmcnutt7985 Here is a link for free lifetime access to my entire sleep course. The link is good for the next 3 or 4 days www.udemy.com/course/weight-loss-booster-better-sleep-for-faster-weight-loss/?couponCode=76E52D2A4448A96D3D27 Just click Enroll Now as you register, and you will be in. No strings attached. I just want to see you get the best sleep that you can

[@ArdGeal]

Never understood napping- having done it a few times just felt weird afterwards...If I'm feeling yawny and a low energy dip it can only mean one thing- I've slipped up and am eating too many carbs again! But sod the hassle of trying to lie down, switch off, sleep for 20 mins and reboot myself I'd rather go for a brisk walk up in the woods for 2-3 miles...and sleep better later!

[@SBDavin]

I don't know your age. I would find this a surprising comment if you are 50+ years old.

[@ArdGeal]

@@SBDavin 55..... I cycle 5-600 miles a month, walk maybe 60 now?( and my border collie has kept me on my toes the last 13 years(sadly she's slowed right up!))

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Your experience is very similar to mine. I never nap, and I am rarely tired during the day unless I am ill. BUT, if my carbs creep up too high I feel wiped out. If you see my yawning or catch me "resting my eyes" then you know that I am sick or dealing with carb creep :) I have also found that walking is my favorite treatment for fatigue as well

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am not really surprised at all. Like I mentioned, napping is very individualized. I have worked with people that love naps, people that hat them, and everywhere in between :)

[@GrowGrayMatter]

That is so amazing to hear. Keep moving like that and Father Time will have a hard time catching you :) Our dog Ruby is the same. She is almost 11, and some days we have to pull her in a wagon if we want her to come on our walks.

[@danchamberlain9434]

Naps need to be short enough you don’t hit Delta sleep so 20 minutes max for most people does this. Good info

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Thanks, as always :). You definitely don' want to reach the point of no return in a nap where your body is preparing for full-on sleep.

[@tristantries9211]

I need to nap every day sometimes multiple times a day 😢 something must be wrong

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I am sorry to hear this. Have you ever had a sleep study or done any testing to see why?

[@tristantries9211]

@@GrowGrayMatter when I was young they said I had narcolepsy like my mom but didn't do a sleep study, then they said I had major depressive disorder. I am supposed to have a sleep study like 6 months from now though . I started carnivore 22 days ago though and have introduce adf so I'll be interested to see if anything helps. I have always had tons of day time sleepiness and struggle with fatigue

[@angelgirldebbiejo]

Most times i just lay down but don't sleep

[@GrowGrayMatter]

Same here for sure. I can't remember the last time I took a satisfying nap. This doesn't make them bad. They are just bad for me, and it sounds like you as well.

[@heyjace7213]

I take a 15 to 20 minute nap a few days a week or if I’ve had a stressful day. I call it brain reset.

[@GrowGrayMatter]

I actually envy you. I wish I could take a short nap every once in a while. But I usually end up 1) staring at the ceiling, or 2) sleeping too long and feeling much worse. I gave up on napping a couple of years ago. Thankfully I have improved my health to the point where I typically don't feel the need. If it ain't broke, don't fix it :) Thanks for sharing

[@thepieviking]

Nothin like taking a 10min coffee nap to kick the rest of the day in the ass

[@GrowGrayMatter]

If I were a napper, I would definitely be a coffee napper. I am glad that they supercharge you for the rest of the day :)