My friend Shannon loves Saturdays. I think it's because she had a three-hour nap this afternoon. I'm a firm believer that afternoon naps give the best REM sleep. What is it about curling up under the blankets on a cold, snowy day at 2:00 in the afternoon that gives us such relaxation? My theory is it takes us back to a time when we were toddlers; a time when we felt safe, secure and uninhibited by racing thoughts that sometimes prohibit our sleep.
Siesta the power nap- If you don’t sleep for too long, siesta can actually relax your mind and increase your efficiency. Post-siesta, you can think clearly and since your mind has rested during the afternoon, your creativity will go up. Plus, you would be far more alert, provided you don’t extend your siestas for too long a period.
Siesta improves cardiovascular health- As per a research conducted at the John Moores University in Liverpool, people who enjoy siestas, have been known to have lower cardiovascular health issues. It is seen that the blood pressure reduces, just before falling asleep. So if siesta is a habit, it can help reduce chances of cardiovascular mortality.
Siesta helps memory- According to the study, doctors say that the results suggested the possibility to speed up memory consolidation, thanks to siesta.
Siesta helps your eyes- If you are straining your eyes too much by sitting at your computer/laptop all day long, you need siestas. Siesta will help relax the muscles in your eyes. Constant straining of the eyes can cause serious eye problems, as you grow older. So reduce the chances of such eye problems, and take that power nap.
Siesta the stress buster- It has also been noticed that people who enjoy siestas, have lower stress levels. This gain helps improve the health of your heart and your overall well-being.
Taking siestas does not mean you are feeling ill, it is a step towards a healthier life.
But remember one thing, siesta is a short/power nap. So don’t sleep for too long in the afternoon. Else you might feel all grumpy and it might affect your night’s sleep pattern.
Due to time limitations, I didn't have a siesta. I wanted to do something Mexican to make up for it. Alas, Antonio Banderos would not return any of my phone calls, so I settled for fajitas.
Dinner
2 small flour tortillas
2 cups lettuce
1 cup onions
1 cup peppers
2 tblsp salsa
2 tblsp sour cream
5 oz chicken
Snack
Snacker's Choice Bar (Herbal Magic)
Latte (8 oz steamed milk & expresso) with cinnamon powder
1 cup strawberries
Lunch
5 oz chicken
Breakfast
1 cup cherries
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