You Snooze You Win; the Benefits of the Perfect Length Nap
Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890), The Siesta (after Millet), December 1889-January 1890, oil on canvas, 73 x 91 cm, Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Everybody loves a good nap. Since I wake up at 3:00 every morning I always try to get a short mid-afternoon nap if possible. For me, it really helps with my productivity. I get more done late in the afternoon when I get the chance to nap.
There are new survey results from The Loupe that seem to match my experience. This study’s goal was to reveal Americans’ nap habits. Over 3,200 people were surveyed to gather information on their napping tendencies and preferences state by state.
Best Nap Length
One thing the survey learned was that Americans say a 55-minute nap is the optimal length in order to wake up feeling refreshed. I’m not sure I agree with that. Sometimes that can be a little too long and make it hard to concentrate.
The survey also discovered that three in twenty or about 15% of the respondents said they take naps during work hours. Most may disagree with that, but I feel may be a good idea. If you can get your work done, put in the hours, and are more productive, then it should be welcomed. The problem is that some will take advantage of the situation and the company will suffer.
Surprisingly, this study found that 34% of those who nap don’t feel more rested afterward.
State-by-State Results
Folks in Alabama take the most naps in a year and average just over 4 naps a week.
Maine takes the fewest naps in a year and also takes the shortest naps averaging thirty-eight minutes.
Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Massachusetts are the only states that prefer a nap on the couch.
Texans are the only state to have Monday as their most popular day for a nap.
New Jersey
New Jerseyans nap about an hour at an average of sixty-two minutes per nap. We also get around 131 naps a year. That works out to be just under three naps a week.
The most common reason for napping is sleep deprivation. Most of us don’t get enough sleep during the night due to busy schedules, work demands, or lifestyle choices. Napping offers a quick way to recharge and make up for lost sleep, enhancing alertness, concentration, and overall cognitive function.
Good night.
These Celebrities Have a November Birthday
People born in November are either a Scorpio (November 1- 21) or a Sagittarius (November 22 – 30). For most of the month, the water sign Scorpio takes charge. Scorpio is a water sign symbolized by the scorpion. Scorpios derive their strength from the psychic, emotional realm, like fellow water signs Cancer (crab) and Pisces (fish). They never show their cards, and their mysterious nature is what makes them so seductive and charming. However, Scorpios tend to guard themselves and their private lives fiercely. Scorpio is ruled by Pluto, the planet that governs both destruction and transformation. Scorpion energy is ambitious and sometimes power-hungry if they give in to their egos. Scorpios are born to rule, succeed, and excel in their pursuits. They are known to blend their work life and home life, always strategizing, learning, and networking.
November Scorpios tend to be highly intuitive, spiritual, and naturally psychic. As a typical water sign, Scorpios are driven by their emotions and feelings, which makes them moodier than October-borns. They have a harder time hiding their emotions than the former. November Scorpios tend to be more freedom-oriented.
Sagittarius Traits
On November 22, the Sagittarius season begins. They are the final fire sign of the zodiac, represented by the archer (a half-man, half-horse centaur). Sagittarius traits are unlike any other sign of the zodiac. What makes Sagittarius so unique is its dynamic blend of passion, curiosity, intensity, and adaptability. Sagittarians are born to explore, and it is critical that these archers have the freedom to roam (Sagittarius rules the thighs, so they are always on the move). They are on a perpetual quest for knowledge, which makes them incredible storytellers, entertainers, and creatives. However, Sagittarius is notorious for their brutal honesty, which can often make them come off as arrogant and lead to misunderstandings.
Sagittarius’ ruling planet is Jupiter, the planet of abundance, so naturally, this sign demands to have it all. These archers have many passions and interests, so they often captivate you with their dynamic charm. November-born Sagittarius are often ready for a confrontation or a debate. The sign loves a philosophical or deep banter with someone as knowledgeable as them. They listen to the other point of view and try to adapt to them as well. However, they tend to get a little passive-aggressive at times as well.
Some of the most talented actors and iconic figures in Hollywood celebrate their birthdays in the month of November. Keep scrolling to see which of our favorite celebrities celebrate a November birthday.
Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.
