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Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano

 
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Nap or Not?  

To Nap or Not to Nap

When you were a kid, you probably didn’t want to take a nap for fear you’d miss out on valuable playtime. Now, when 2 p.m. rolls along, a nap doesn’t sound half-bad! But is it really a good idea? 

Jeff Taylor, M.D., a pulmonologist on the medical staff of Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, offers a few thoughts on daytime resting. Ask yourself these questions: 

  1. Do you struggle to sleep at night? Before lying down for some afternoon shut-eye, consider the possible repercussions later tonight. “If you suffer from nighttime sleep problems like insomnia, a nap could actually make it worse,” Dr. Taylor says. If you don’t have trouble sleeping at night, however, a 30- or 45-minute nap could help you get through a tough day (as long as your boss doesn’t mind!).
  2. What time is it? Even for people with normal sleep habits, naps too close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Naps lasting longer than two hours can have the same effect.
  3. Is there something more going on? “If you fall asleep with ease every night and you’re feeling tired during the day even after getting a full night’s rest, you could have sleep apnea,” Dr. Taylor says. “Talk to your doctor about a sleep study to get an accurate diagnosis, because in this case, naps won’t help.” 

Learn more about sleep disorders and how the specialists at Baylor Plano can help.