The Unappreciated Power of Naps

by Jade Wu

The science of the past few decades has shown that taking a nap may increase our productivity, boost our cognitive abilities, and take us closer to the limits of athletic performance. In various cultures around the world, napping is considered an important part of everyday life. And yet, so many of us consider napping a waste of time—something that’s unproductive, lazy, or childish. Is our dismissal of napping holding us back?

In The Unappreciated Power of Naps, sleep researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Jade Wu will uncover the truth about napping and its amazing benefits for both mind and body. Across six revealing lectures, you’ll examine what science tells us about the benefits—and, yes, the potential downsides—of napping, including:

The positive influence of naps on cognitive skills, including memory, vigilance, and mental processing speed;
The benefit of brief periods of sleep for enhancing physical performance, from increased muscle strength to greater jump velocity to higher endurance, and more; and
The troubling potential links between excessive sleeping and health conditions like heart disease and dementia.
To better understand the mental and physical benefits of naps, Dr. Wu will give you a crash course on how sleep works and the important differences between short rests and a full sleep. You’ll also learn the truth about some very prevalent myths about sleep and discover why we have so many misconceptions about our needs and habits when it comes to rest patterns.

As you will see, sleep is not one-size-fits-all but rather a highly personal and individual part of your life that changes based on age, lifestyle, and health conditions. While the body is very good at regulating itself, our busy lives can disrupt our natural and much-needed rest cycles. With Dr. Wu’s guidance, you’ll have the tools to better craft your own personalized approach to resting and recharging, in the way that best suits you.

©2024 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Health, Psychology, Science, Self Help

Audible Audio

Published September 5, 2024

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I really learned anything new, but it nicely consolidated what I had picked up here and there.

[Benjamin Steenhoek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty nice surface level overview of some research in the area!

TLDR: Quick and dirty naps under 30 minutes seem to be helpful, and it works better if you nap consistently early in the afternoon. Even if you can’t fall asleep, it’s helpful to have a quiet time in the middle of the day as a way to reorganize and calm yourself.

[Jessica Weida · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look into naps. Really helped me understand my sleep cycle better with new tips to help insomnia.
Note: I had to listen to this three times because I kept falling asleep because the narrator is so soothing.

[Denise B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very informative and validated some of my thoughts on napping. When in doubt take a nap. Ok I think I will.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting and informative. I am a big fan of naps, and I appreciated hearing the science behind the habit. From everything to the ideal napping length to how naps work for and against your sleep, this series of lectures covered it all. I'm so glad I have data to prove that my naps aren't a sign of laziness!

[Stephanie’s Libby Antics · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not me affirming my life choices with audiobooks whose titles support the ones I’m already making…. 👀

[AnnaRichelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a nutshell, napping is very healthy and common in cultures other than US or Britain, just use common sense about napping. Such as, time of day and how long.
All of the different nap and sleep studies she presents ends with her saying that, basically, the data is all inconclusive because of the many varying factors involved.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good subject. Good narrator/professor. Well presented.

She talks about the myths of sleep, and what to watch out for in terms of napping... how to make naps work for you and why they seem not to work for some people. Also what you can expect from a nap... which is better mental acuity, but not necessarily feeling less tired. She also covers what to do with infants and napping, up to teenagers napping and how much sleep they need.

She ends with a hodgepodge of interesting facts about sleeping including how animals sleep.

I liked it. I mentioned it to my wife in the hope that she might listen to it. I might listen to this audiobook again.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

for a short and easy excerpt, this was worth it.

Will check out Dr Wu's full tome: Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications

[Bruce Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a general rule, people should nap except when they shouldn’t. Naps should be long or short and either regularly or irregularly scheduled. Importantly, naps can lead to dementia or, alternatively, good mental health.

[SpiritualKungFu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was well presented and had good advice for quality sleep.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick listen on audible. Finished this walking away with no exceptional knowledge on naps other than they should be taken for 30 minutes at a time and during midday. Also learnt that longer naps might correlate to increased heart disease - another thing to have anxiety about. If I’m taking a nap, it sure isn’t going to be for less than 30 minutes. All in all, not a total waste of time but wouldn’t listen again.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful sleep advice and good guidelines for healthy napping

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information on the pros and cons about napping and its relationship to sleep and sleep patterns.

[Chris Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so seen.

[Brad McKeehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read several benefits about sleeping in books in the past this was an enjoyable short series of lectures on napping and its impacts.

[Linda Is on her way · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Caroline Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75 ⭐️

[Floriane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Reivew pending, I need a nap!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting and insightful :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this free read via Audible! Great info for those with sleep issues like me!

[Mackenzie Behrle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting info about napping and the pros/cons of naps

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ 🎧

[Ming Chen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful and well-presented.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I knew most of this but it was full of good reminders. I should make the time to nap more often.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a few helpful concepts that have stayed with me