What is a siesta? The history of the afternoon nap and its benefits.

The early afternoon lull is part of this rhythm, which is why so many people feel drowsy at that time. Studies suggest that a short nap during this period – ideally followed by bright light ...

While some people -- as noted above -- should generally avoid naps, with the right strategy, most people can savor an afternoon nap and still get quality shut-eye when the world goes dark.

You're in the middle of the afternoon, eyelids heavy ... with fragmented sleep due to irregular schedules, and a well-timed nap before a night shift can boost alertness and reduce the risk ...