Monday, March 9, marks National Napping Day, an annual event designed to help Americans recover from the start of daylight saving time. Established in 1999 by a Boston University professor and his wife, the day always falls on the Monday after the clocks spring forward.
The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of napping, which studies have linked to a reduced risk of death from heart attacks and other heart-related problems, according to Boston University. Napping is also said to improve mood and enhance performance.
To participate, experts recommend taking a short nap, ideally before 3 p.m., to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep. The Mayo Clinic advises keeping naps between 20 and 30 minutes, as longer naps can lead to grogginess. It also suggests allowing time to wake up fully before resuming activities.
