A lot of people depend on naps to get through the day.

In fact, on any given day, about a third of American adults take a nap.

On the other hand, naps may do harm by leaving you groggy or giving youinsomniathat night.

Woman napping on bed

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Disadvantages of Napping

Naps do have some potential disadvantages, though.

How Much Sleep Do You Need?

Researchers are working on clarifying this paradox and have several theories about why research seems to be so divided.

Some experts consider the last explanation to be the most likely.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do kids stop napping?

Infants and toddlers are developing rapidly so they need significantly more sleep than adults.

Scheduling naptimes into your child’s day can help them meet that requirement.

What is a power nap?

Most power naps are most likely just short recovery naps.

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