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Many people have the habit of taking an afternoon nap. After a hearty lunch, a lull sets in, prompting people to rest and stay awake in the evening. It feels like a much-needed respite in the middle of the day. There is often a belief that sleeping after lunch can increase productivity by eliminating drowsiness. But, this habit can also have other unintended consequences, including weight gain. Dr. Shikha Singh, who is a certified clinical nutritionist as per her YouTube bio, took to Instagram to explain how afternoon naps contribute to weight gain and shared information on the right duration to take a nap.
Excessive afternoon sleep increases weight
He told that according to research, afternoon nap has 23% chance of weight gain. Dr. Singh explained that if one naps for more than 30 minutes, the metabolism slows down significantly, to such an extent that people may lose weight very slowly despite dieting.
Additionally, long afternoon naps also affect nighttime sleep, disrupting the body clock or circadian rhythm. When someone sleeps till late in the afternoon, he/she struggles to sleep at night.
Like a domino effect, this, in turn, can increase late-night cravings, which Dr. Singh said often results in overeating, which ultimately undermines all dieting and workout efforts.
The dangers of afternoon naps were also highlighted in a 2023 study published in the journal Obesity. Researchers revealed that afternoon naps lasting longer than 30 minutes are linked to serious issues, including higher body mass index, higher blood pressure, and conditions associated with heart disease and diabetes.
Also read: Better sleep, better life: Study reveals surprising benefits of deep sleep for your brain health
Safe area for afternoon nap
As Dr. Singh points out, the sweet spot for an afternoon nap is 30 minutes or less for those who really need a nap. After waking up, he recommends stretching or walking for 5 to 10 minutes to boost metabolism.
Also read: Women who lost 68 kg ‘naturally’ revealed 8 foods that weren’t too boring that helped them lose weight
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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