• 34% of people surveyed in 2009 reported napping in the past 24 hours, with the highest rate (52%) among those over 80 years old.
• Studies suggest that napping can improve cognitive performance and reduce subjective sleepiness, but may also be linked to cardiovascular disease.
• The optimal nap length is 15 minutes, and the ideal time to nap is mid-afternoon.
• The “coffee nap” combines a cup of caffeinated coffee with a 15-minute nap, and has been shown to reduce driving impairments.
• A study of urban poor in India found that napping improved overall feelings of well-being, but decreased earnings due to lost time.
Published January 19, 2023
Visit ParentData to read Emily Oster’s original post Should Adults Nap?
