There are several benefits to be gained from napping during the day, particularly for people in good health.
It has been shown that daytime rest reduces sleepiness and improves memory in a laboratory environment, providing immediate respite for sleep-deprived individuals.
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However, falling asleep during the day is no easy task. But a Navy SEAL trick can make you feel refreshed after only eight minutes of sleep.
The power napconsisting of put your feet up on a raised objectwas designed to allow special operators catch up on sleep in difficult situations.
The technique consists of lie on your back and let your legs rest on the edge of the bed or sofa.
Speaking on the Mikhaila Peterson Podcast, ex-serviceman Jocko Willink detailed his routine of taking a short nap during the day.
He said: “If I feel tired, I will take a nap, I will take a nap for eight to 10 minutes. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried it.
“Elevate your feet above your heart, so lie down and put your feet up on a couch or something, lie on the floor, set your alarm clock for 10 minutes.».
«If you’re really tired, you’ll fall asleep very quickly and when you wake up you’ll feel like you just slept for six hours.»
The trick became famous after the US Navy SEAL officer discussed the method in his book.
In his book, entitled Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual, Willink explained that the hack proved most useful when he was short on time.
He explained that he would take a six to eight minute nap and wake up feeling «completely refreshed».
Another TikToker user, Alice Jenning, who gave the trick a try, commented: “Try it when you’re particularly tired. I felt like I got carried away in a matter of seconds.»
There is scientific evidence that Sleeping with your legs slightly elevated can improve blood flow and circulation.
This, in turn, can relieve tension in lower back or swollen feetY help the brain fall asleep faster.
The Navy SEAL power nap is one of many methods devised by the military to ensure staff get enough sleep.
In 2017, the Navy Surface Force Comprehensive Review of Recent Incidents revealed that fatigue and ineffective management of fatigue and rest were responsible for four of the mishaps detailed in the report.
The US Navy Institute explains: «Because chronic sleep deprivation can compromise performance, safety, and mission, everyone should be aware of their fatigue levels and let potential clients know if lack of sleep is an issue«.
The Institution continued: “Sleep is crucial for cognitive thinking, decision making and reaction time”.
These three skills are not only critical to the smooth running of military operations, they also play an important role in everyday life.
The effects of sleep loss can be felt almost immediately, causing deficits in performance, memory, and mood.
However, efforts should be made to prevent sleep deprivation from becoming chronic, as this can pose worrying long-term risks.
Some of the most serious potential problems related to chronic sleep deprivation are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.