Osaka University Research on the "Power of Naps" - How 15 Minutes Can Lighten Your Life
Hello. This is HIRUNEGAO.
You may be thinking, "Isn't naptime something for kids?" But the truth is, adults need naps too.
Research at Osaka University is gradually revealing scientifically the effects that naps have on our brains and bodies. And the benefits are not to be underestimated. They improve concentration, calm the mind, and even improve skin condition. It's like the "triple crown of naps."
So, this time I'd like to talk a little more relaxedly about the effects of naps as researched by Osaka University.
15 minutes of magic to save your afternoon
Meetings, emails, and document preparation all start in the morning. If you keep your brain working at full capacity, by the end of the morning you're out of gas. That "heavy eyelids" you feel after lunch -- that's not laziness, it's a sign that your brain is seriously pleading for a break.
According to a study by Osaka University, taking a nap cools down the brain and restores concentration in the afternoon . In other words, a nap is like a reboot button for your brain. Just 15 minutes of sleep can instantly restore your thinking and memory abilities.
Many people say that after taking a nap, they feel like a different person in the afternoon, but it's not just their imagination. By switching off their brain, they are able to process new information smoothly again. It's like restarting your smartphone and it suddenly starts working smoothly again. Perhaps humans are surprisingly similar to machines.
The secret of naps that release "happy hormones"
The benefits of a nap don't just include resetting your brain. In fact, it also secretes hormones that calm your mood. These hormones are called "melatonin" and "serotonin." Both are substances closely related to relaxation and play an important role in calming our moods.
It is known that when you take a nap, the cerebellum and thalamus, which sleep along with the cerebral cortex, actively secrete these hormones. In other words, a nap is like "hot spring time for the brain." Just as you relax in a hot spring, taking a nap releases tension in the brain and naturally deepens your breathing.
It's strange, but just 15 minutes of sleep can make your irritation disappear and soften the thorns in your heart. This is proof that the "double punch" of melatonin and serotonin is working. There are days when a little sleep is better than a cup of coffee. It's okay to have days like that.
Taking a nap is also beneficial for beauty: Why it helps restore skin firmness
A nap is not only good for your mind, but also for your skin. Research from Osaka University has shown that hormones secreted during naps help repair skin.
Your skin can be damaged in the morning by exposure to UV rays, dryness, and blue light from your computer. However, the growth hormones secreted during a nap help produce collagen and elastin. In other words, a nap is also a midday skincare routine .
It also relieves muscle tension, improves blood circulation, and leaves your complexion one tone brighter by the afternoon. "I looked in the mirror during an afternoon meeting and I felt great today" - the secret to this may be "taking a nap."
The days of napping being considered slacking are over
For a long time in Japan, there was an attitude that "naps = something lazy people do." However, if you look around the world, it's the exact opposite. In American and European companies, "nap spaces" are the norm. Top companies, from Google to Apple to NASA, are seriously utilizing the "power of naps."
A NASA experiment showed that a 26-minute nap increased work efficiency by 34% and alertness by 54%. In other words, "employees who take naps = capable employees." Taking a rest is not laziness. It's a warm-up exercise for working better .
The ideal way to take a nap
HIRUNEGAO proposes the "15-minute nap method," which has three key points.
15-minute nap method (3 tips)
- Keep it to 15 to 20 minutes : If you sleep for too long, you will fall into a deep sleep and feel lethargic. It's best to sleep just a little less than necessary.
- Instead of sleeping in bed, try leaning back at your desk. A recliner and eye mask are ideal.
- Light and water when you wake up : If you're still feeling sleepy, expose yourself to sunlight and take a sip of water. This will wake up your brain.
This simple step can really make a difference in your afternoon productivity. "The days when I'm not feeling well at work are the days when I don't take a nap" -- you've probably had that experience.
Let's make napping culture a part of everyday life again
HIRUNEGAO's challenge is to "make napping a culture." Napping is not just a break. It is a recovery habit that helps to restore the mind and body.
As research from Osaka University has shown, naps have solid scientific backing. However, at their roots lies the wisdom of taking a short break, a practice that humans have naturally adopted since ancient times. In an age where we are constantly being chased by words like efficiency and results, we should be able to be more proud of the choice to "take a short nap."
Surprisingly, a 15-minute nap might be what saves you in the afternoon.
Today's Summary
- Naps cool down your brain and help you regain focus
- Melatonin and serotonin are released, making you feel calm
- Growth hormone helps skin recover and has beauty benefits
- Around the world, napping is considered a strategy. Japan is about to enter that era too.
- 15 minutes is enough. The trick is not to sleep too much.
"Create the best afternoon in 15 minutes." HIRUNEGAO supports small habits like this. So, close your eyes for just a moment today. Let the world become quiet for 15 minutes, just for you.
