American culture gives napping a bad rap. Again and again, it is thought of as a lazy indulgence, unfit for America’s traditional “get up and go” routine. However, with more investigation concerning naps, it’s obvious that our “lazy” cats may know something we don’t.

Numerous nap studies have found surprising results that make naps all the more appealing. Even the quickest of naps can recharge your batteries and increase alertness. Not only do naps give you a power boost, they have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and help prevent obesity. If you are able to spare an hour, longer naps can recharge your brain and improve your ability to retain information. Still think napping is lazy? Think again. Workers’ productivity often drop after lunchtime. A quick nap can cure this afternoon slump and keep worker’s on top of their game throughout the day. Nappers are more likely to be creative, energetic and stress-free.

Sounds pretty great, but there’s one question left… In America’s busy and exhausting culture, how could anyone possibly get away with a nap? Well, the solution lies in the simple fact that a nap doesn’t need to be long to be beneficial. A good nap can range from 10-90 minutes and can take place anywhere at all: your office, the lunchroom, and if your lucky- a bed. Some napping is always better than no napping. Once you get passed the stigma of laziness, napping becomes a truly healthy and enjoyable activity. Give napping a try today and perhaps you’ll fall in love.