What are the considerations for taking a nap
Taking a nap in winter can relieve fatigue and replenish yang energy. During a nap, it is the time for the heart meridian to be active, which can protect the heart and nourish the blood. Dr. Chen Luquan from the Traditional Medicine Department of Beijing Tongren Hospital reminds that after the winter solstice, the weather gets colder, and during the coldest period, it is important to take a longer nap to protect the heart.
【Adapt your nap to the local conditions during the coldest period】
Just as there are different diets in the north and the south, the nap during the coldest period also varies greatly. Chen Luquan said that for people in the north, a proper nap to "hibernate" is very beneficial to their health during this time, and keeping warm is the top priority. This is because the body temperature decreases during a nap, weakening the immune system and increasing the chances of cold air invading the body in the north.
For residents in the Jianghuai region, where the weather is also cold and humid in winter, besides keeping warm, it is also important to take herbal medicines and eat foods that promote digestion and dispel dampness. As for residents in warm and humid subtropical regions such as Hainan and Guangdong, the climate is pleasant and the body adapts quickly. In addition to the above-mentioned protective measures, they can also extend their nap time appropriately.
1. Give your stomach some rest before sleeping
There is a saying that goes "during the coldest period, you become as cold as ice". The cold weather makes the spleen and stomach tired, which can easily lead to digestive disorders. Chen Luquan suggests that after lunch in winter, try to take a 10-20 minute slow-paced walk in the sunshine to relieve the fullness in the stomach, promote digestion, and give the stomach some rest.
Many people have a short nap time, and it has become common to rest immediately after lunch. Chen Luquan explains that after a meal, the stomach is full of food, and the digestive system is the busiest at this time. Taking a nap right after lunch can affect the digestion of the gastrointestinal tract, hinder the absorption of food, and even cause food reflux. This can lead to gastric lesions and have a serious impact on digestion. At the same time, the quality of the nap will also be affected.
2. If you sleep on a desk, use a higher pillow
Sleeping on a desk is very risky, especially during the coldest period. Blood vessels tend to contract and become fragile in cold weather. Sleeping on a desk prevents the body from stretching and causes poor blood circulation, increasing the pressure on blood vessels. Sleeping with the head on the arm can also compress multiple nerves in the body, often causing anxiety and difficulty falling asleep during a nap. At the same time, the posture of sleeping on a desk puts a greater strain on the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and back, which can lead to injuries in these areas over time. Therefore, Chen Luquan suggests that office workers should try to lie on their backs on a chair during their nap. If this is not possible, they should elevate their heads and nap on a soft pillow or cushion.
3. After sleeping, don't forget to stimulate the acupoints on the neck and waist
It is advisable to wake up slowly from a nap. Suddenly awakening can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and other symptoms. At the same time, Chen Luquan suggests that after waking up, one can perform simple acupoint massage. Massaging the face with dry hands can promote blood circulation and stimulate the Fengchi acupoint and Dazhui acupoint on the neck, as well as the Yao Yu acupoint on the waist. This can help relieve tension in the neck, waist, and back, and gradually awaken the body's various functions in the cold weather.
