Zzzzzzzzzzzzz! When was the last time you took a nap? Looks like this might be your month. August is National Napping Month!

Many countries see the value of a power nap. The tradition of napping or siesta as it is also called, has a long peaceful history. Taking a good afternoon nap is still quite popular in Spain, Italy and other countries of Southern Europe as well as in Mexico and other Latin American countries.

According to the November issue of the Harvard Health Letter, catching a daytime nap is a good way to catch up on the sleep you lose at night, sleep that may become more difficult as you age due to natural age-related decline in quality of your nighttime sleep.

Studies show that 10-20 minutes of sleep in the afternoon provides more rest than 20 minutes of more sleep in the morning. The body seems to be designed for this, as most people’s bodies naturally become more tired in the afternoon, about 8 hours after we wake up.

Unfortunately here in the United States taking naps during the workday is frowned upon and often grounds for termination. Getting massage during the workday is very acceptable though. Getting a 15 minute massage gives employees a chance to get off their feet and enjoy some down time to help them rejuvenate and have more energy for the rest of the day.  Employees will also reap the many other health benefits of massage.

Massage relaxes your body helping you to sleep better in general. The relaxing effect of a massage stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is most active during relaxed conditions which stimulates the function of the internal organs and maintains homeostasis or balance of the functions in the body.

Research shows that taking breaks between periods of productivity increases performance. A 15 minute massage session releases built up tension and clears the mind. National Napping Month is a great time to schedule a corporate massage event!