Experts | Research | Medical Evidence

Are you thinking, yeah, right, how can a nap help me? Would you feel more convinced if there were “experts” promoting the value of naps? Good news: there is a growing body of research and medical evidence offered by sleep experts of all stripes, proclaiming the value of short naps.

The Power Nap Kit™ (PNK) is a health and wellness program. When we did the research for it, one of the experts we consulted was Dr. James B. Maas, Chairman Emeritus of Cornell University’s undergraduate Psychology department. Dr. Maas has been acclaimed for his sleep research and writing. In fact, he is the person credited with inventing the term “power nap” over 25 years ago.

Sleep is a dynamic and active state that greatly influences how we feel and perform during our waking hours. Research on the role of sleep in health and disease is fueling interest in new therapies for sleep disorders, which is good news for the 40 million Americans suffering from chronic, long-term sleep disorders. Innovative brain imaging techniques, such as MRIs, are helping researchers understand how different brain regions function during sleep. Dr. Maas and other experts have cited the greater benefit of a short nap as compared to a longer nap in terms of energy, sleep cycle and feeling good. Research proves that naps work best to boost energy and reduce stress without nasty side effects.

Excess stress > Elevated cortisol

You may already have painful, first hand experience with the link between stress and sleep difficulty. Stress causes a widespread range of health issues. According to Jana Klauer, MD, "The body sees sleep deprivation as a state of stress; cortisol is a stress hormone. Cortisol causes, in turn, the release of insulin and insulin is a storage hormone that promotes fat storage."

Cortisol is our primary stress hormone, and useful in small amounts to help the body control carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation, and cardiovascular function. Also known as the “fight-or-flight” hormone, cortisol helps to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels to help us escape from or fight off a predator. So, while small amounts of cortisol are a “good” thing, too much cortisol, for too long, is not good because it is linked to adverse health conditions. According to health research, elevated cortisol levels are associated with increased appetite, weight gain, diabetes, and even depression. Read more at Zzzzz News: Sleep off the fat?

Get the equivalent of 2-4 hours sleep

We offer customized editions of the PNK for Adults, College students and teens - a great gift for anyone. At $24.95 for the PNK - Physical Edition or $14.99 for the PNK - Digital Download Edition, it's a valuable and economic way to learn a healthy habit that will put you in a good mood every time you use it. Order the Power Nap Kit™ today - it's the sleep prescription that never runs out.

Click on the NEWS tab for related sleep/nap news. Find additional sleep and nap content and links to expert views, opinions and more at Snooze Blog and Zzzzz News.

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