Does taking a nap help or worsen nighttime sleep?

Napping during the day can have different effects on nighttime sleep. Reference 1 suggests that napping might influence the quality of nighttime sleep for healthy young adults, but the exact effects can vary. Reference 2 highlights that napping is common and its impact on sleep can depend on how long and when you nap. Reference 3 indicates that short naps, like 25 minutes, may be less likely to disturb nighttime sleep compared to longer naps, such as 90 minutes.

Key Points

• Short Naps (25 minutes): These are generally less likely to interfere with nighttime sleep.
• Long Naps (90 minutes): These could potentially disrupt your sleep at night.
• Individual Differences: Everyone is different, so the effect of napping can vary from person to person.

In summary, while naps can be refreshing, they might also affect how well you sleep at night. If you have trouble sleeping at night, consider adjusting the length and timing of your naps.