Are naps good for you?

The National Sleep Foundation reports that short naps can improve mental alertness and performance. However, naps do not make up for a lack of nighttime sleep, and the approach to napping impacts its effectiveness.

Other possible advantages of short naps include relaxation, reduced feelings of fatigue, better moods, less confusion and fewer errors or accidents caused by mental carelessness, according to Mayo Clinic. Some people tend to see more or less benefits from napping than others. Long naps, those beyond 20 to 30 minutes, may lead to feelings of grogginess and impact nighttime sleeping habits. Napping may also exacerbate insomnia or poor sleep quality.