by Sun Meilan

Created on: September 02, 2010

Taking a siesta, a nap or sleep after lunch, has been part of the culture for centuries in some countries, particularly those where the heat of the midday sun makes it hard to do very much else. However, it is becoming more and more common for people with stressful lives to take a siesta in the early afternoon, thus enabling them to return to work feeling refreshed and motivated. There are a number of advantages to taking a siesta, whether it is fifteen minutes or nearer two hours. 

*Catch up on sleep

Many people struggle to sleep well at night, perhaps because of children or because they take their troubles to bed and then worry all night. If this is you, by lunchtime, you could be feeling snappy, lethargic and wanting to be doing anything but work. Having a sleep can just take the edge off those feelings, enabling you to get through the rest of the day feeling refreshed. 

*Splits the day

A working day can seem incredibly long, especially when you factor in travelling and preparation. A short sleep at lunch-time can break the day up, so that just as you feel you can't go on, you get the chance to rest and refresh the brain. Once you wake up, you will feel rested and more able to cope with whatever life is going to throw at you. It stops you snapping and should make you more productive. 

*Good for health

Studies have shown that those who sleep during the day are less likely to have heart problems. This is probably to do with the fact that they sleep off the problems of the day, enabling them to rest and therefore to cut down on stress levels. Whatever the reason, the chances are that you are going to feel better for a sleep and you will be much more pleasant to be around. 

*Prevents mid-afternoon slump

Many people find that the hour or so after lunch is a very unproductive period. Feeling sleepy is not conducive to doing your best work and you may find yourself chatting to colleagues or browsing the Internet instead, followed by a half-hearted couple of hours before you go home. By napping, you will wake up refreshed and be able to get on with your work in a much more productive way. 

*Improves creativity

Most people find that they are most creative first thing in the morning, because they are rested. This creativity then ebbs away throughout the day. If, however, you have a break half way through the day, then you have two periods of creativity to make the most of. Studies have shown that this is, indeed, the case, so if you have a job that involves creativity, give it a go. 

*Prepares you for exercise

The reason that many people don't fit exercise into their routine is that they are tired at the end of the working day and just want to go home and rest. However, if you sleep at lunchtime, you are likely to be much more alert at the end of the day and will feel more like exercising. Ultimately, this is great for your overall health and you will reap the benefits of a better standard of living. 

You may think that taking a siesta is just not possible - and in some cases, it won't be. However, if you can fit a siesta into your routine, there are a number of benefits. 

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