Power Nap for Newborns: The Characteristics and Benefits of the Nap
Do you ever see your child becoming particularly restless and tired towards the late afternoon?
In these situations, it often happens that parents try to keep their child awake with the fear that they may not be sleepy at bedtime.
Contrary to popular belief, a power nap , or evening nap, allows little ones to release all their accumulated tiredness, eat well and sleep more peacefully.
In this article I want to talk to you about the characteristics and benefits of this nap and eliminate some false myths regarding it.
PS: You can also find us on Instagram with the profile @drsilva.com_official and in our video courses for parents (also on sleep ).
Power Nap: What it is and what its features are
A power nap is the term used to indicate a late afternoon nap that lasts about 30/40 minutes.
It is important to immediately ensure that, contrary to popular belief, this nap has the ability to help the child sleep better at night (always respecting the physiology and phases of sleep regression).
In fact, an overload of tiredness could cause the opposite effect and make falling asleep a challenge.
Hasn't it happened to you that your child got angry, unable to sleep due to excessive exhaustion?
Power naps should be supported for 3 main reasons:
- It helps the child to regenerate and recharge his energies;
- It allows you to dine with peace of mind , from 6 months onwards;
- It contributes to improving night sleep .
How long does the Power Nap last?
The evening nap becomes an important phase from 3-4 months up to about 9 months. It is always advisable to indulge the child; therefore, you will be able to understand that he no longer needs the power nap if:
- He refuses to fall asleep;
- He doesn't seem so tired anymore towards evening;
- It causes difficulty in falling asleep for night sleep.
Power naps , like daytime naps, are moments that the child may need during their growth phases and can vary in duration depending on their needs.
But did you know that power naps are a great help in concentration for adults too? In fact, several American companies make relaxation rooms available to their workers to encourage a short restorative nap.
The myths about power naps and daytime naps
How many times have we heard a mother advised to keep her baby awake during the day to help him sleep more at night?
Unfortunately, Sleep is a topic that lacks quality information to help families deal with the necessary conditions of the newborn. Without a doubt, the lack of adequate sleep in hours and quality is a problem that many mothers and fathers have in common. Therefore, usually advice is sought from acquaintances or family members who have received incorrect information. These are the classic false myths about power naps and daytime naps.
If you have ever heard that if you tire your baby more during the day you will be able to make him sleep longer at night, forget this theory.
There is nothing more wrong.
The result of this practice will be the opposite of what was hoped for. In fact, the child will be so nervous and irritable that he will not be able to sleep peacefully at night. The accumulation of stimuli received during the day will make him agitated and will cause several night awakenings .
Daytime naps and power naps are essential for your child and it is important to help him or her do them.