Dr Maurits Kruger writes:
Research has established that sleep deprivation leads to negative health consequences such as increased stress, a weakened immune system and an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Scientists have confirmed what many of us have long suspected - daytime napping has significant benefits! There is evidence that napping improves mood, alertness, creativity, memory and overall health.
Humans are amongst only a few species of mammals that sleep once a day; this is called monophasic sleep. More than 85% of mammalian species have polyphasic sleep, meaning they sleep more than once in a 24-hour period. If you enjoy a regular afternoon nap, you are in some famous company. Albert Einstein, Napoleon, Winston Churchill, John F Kennedy, and Thomas Edison were all vocal advocates of daytime napping. The ancient Romans practised it, and many Europeans still practice it today.
So the next time when you feel tired in the afternoon, and you are not performing at your best, take a nap, you have the scientific backup!