Why do we wake up after a nap more tired than before?

Heat plus vacation is usually synonymous take a nap. There are days in the northern hemisphere when we risk passing out if we go out after eating. Therefore, if it also turns out that we are on vacation and we have nothing else to do, we can take the opportunity and have a good sleep. However, this great plan may turn against us if we wake up later. confusion, drowsiness, or even a headache. This is very common, but also quite rare. How can it be that we are more tired after sleep?

The key is basically in something known as sleep inertia. This does not happen to all people in the same way; but as a whole consists of the constancy of some brain traits sleep characteristics when we are already awake. This applies to both nighttime sleep and daytime sleep. However, in the latter, it usually occurs more regularly, as it often has an inadequate duration.

It is recommended that daytime sleep no more than half an hour, because during this period we have not yet had time to fall into the deepest phases of sleep. And the fact is that once we get into these phases, it is advisable to sleep for at least seven hours. But much better at night; because if not, we will change the circadian rhythms of the brain.

From sleep inertia to hypnotic headache

It is not known exactly what sleep inertia. However, brain MRI, like other similar tests, showed that this is due to the development typical characteristics of sleep after we have already woken up. They are manifested by drowsiness and poor performance and can occur both during the day and at night.

But the result may be worse after daytime sleep. Not only for sleep durationbut also because circadian rhythms can be altered. Our body is ready for awake during the day and sleep at night. These rhythms take care of him marked lighting. in the presence of light all sleeping disks are stoppedamong which one of the most famous is secretion of the hormone melatonin. It starts to stand out as the evening approaches, when less light reaches us. This does not mean that we cannot sleep during the day, we do it during naps, but this discrepancy can make us confused and even more sleepy.

Although drowsiness is the least of the problems that some people experience after sleep. It’s very rare, but something known as hypnotic headache. This usually happens after 50 years and the reasons are also not entirely clear, but always associated with sleep. Again, this can be both night and day, but seems quite intense after sleep. To date, there are no very effective treatments, although these patients seem to respond well to caffeine treatment.

What should have a good sleep?

We already know why we sometimes wake up from a nap. more tired than we were before.

However, this does not mean that we should avoid it at all costs. In fact, good sleep can be very helpful in reducing fatigue, improving mood, increasing alertness, and even improving memory.

But we must take a number of very important steps. To begin with, time is of the essence. If we sleep less than half an hour we will avoid the effects of sleep inertia and not disturb our circadian rhythms too much.

On the other hand, it is not recommended to use daytime sleep for compensate for lack of sleep at night. Research shows that restorative sleep after sleep deprivation also increases inertia. Therefore, it is absolutely counterproductive. Moreover, there is a vicious circle in which yes, circadian rhythms are destabilized. The same thing happens over time. If we take a very late nap, these rhythms are more likely to be destabilized, which is why we recommend doing so. shortly after eating.

Finally, since summer is usually the time when the more we nap, it is very important to follow the same advice as for a night’s sleep. Do not allow the sun to enter through a window during peak hours, stay hydrated and wear cool clothes This will help us relax during this half hour and recharge our batteries for the rest of the day.

Because the key is to rest properly and not wake up like we just stepped out of a video clip. thriller It’s not about avoiding naps, it’s about getting them right.