Why Experts Say You Need To Take A Nap Especially After 40 (2024)

As an advocate for naps, I include it in my routine daily. After a good workout, I rest for at least an hour. After a long day, I take a nap to reset myself, and when I have to sit for three hours while my daughter practices for her recital, I take an hour nap before I walk out the door.

At some point, I was concerned about my need for slumber. My husband reassured me that it was more than likely because of the many all-nighters I pulled to catch up on work, I also thought that maybe I was experiencing Perimenopause, or menopause transition. According to WebMD, “It’s the time when the ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen. It usually starts in a woman’s 40s, but can start in her 30s or even earlier.” Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs.

“In some cases, women over 40 will experience several sleep problems,” says Liz Brown, of Sleeping Lucid. “Some women may experience a gradual decrease in melatonin which can make them quick to anger, have bouts of depression, become more susceptible to sleep disorders, and a slower health recovery time.”

In order to combat these ailments, Liz says that we should take 30-minute power naps as much as possible as it helps strengthens one’s immune system and maintain one’s physical, emotional, and mental health in check.

While my sleeping beauty moments were not only related to perimenopause, talking with Dr. Soma Mandal, a board-certified medical internist, made it clear that sleep is needed to avoid illnesses. “Sleep is important for a variety of brain functions,” she shares. “When we take naps, especially women over 40, improves our alertness, it can provide psychological relaxation, and increase our patience.” Dr. Mandal also states that getting the proper amount of sleep along with a 30-minute nap can help the body get rid of harmful toxins that are present in the brain, such as beta-amyloid, a protein that plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease.

So how can get the proper amount of rest? Easily, we need comfort. When we are in our most comfortable state, it makes it easy to enjoy a peaceful nap or sleep. Not sure of what you need? No worries, because we’ve come across some of the best sleep items that will not only help you get plenty of rest and have you feeling your best!

DISCLOSURE: Please note that we are not paid for our selection. These are honest choices that come from our staff after mindful selection. However, we may use affiliate links in which we earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Your best rest is always on a comfortable mattress. The Sofie by Sleepenvie is ten inches of semi-firm with a cooling gel memory foam and ice yarn cover that will keep you comfortable but never cold which can prevent night sweats. The plush and breathable memory foam also provides comfort and stability that spreads the weight evenly across the mattress.

The Rest+ is not just for babies. This stylish and soft night light offers more than you can bargain for. It also has a sound machine that boasts of a library of snooze-inducing sounds to lull you to sleep, an alarm clock to help you rise peacefully from your nap, and a two-monitor.

For a sound and peaceful rest, look no further than the Humble Flower’s CBD-infused body oil. While it won’t get you high, cannabidiol shows major promise in promoting better slumber, relieving anxiety, easing stress, and improving the health of your skin — making it an essential part of self-care after the hustle and bustle of long working days.

Being relaxed and comfortable plays a huge role in getting a night of proper sleep. No longer do you have to struggle with toe tucking or fighting to cover your chest because the PediPocket is an extra-long, super soft blanket with a brilliantly designed foot pocket you can easily snuggle to your nose while still covering your toes.

When you want a serene slumber, you want to be in a room that has plants. Yes, it has been proven by Columbia University, that having plants in your room can have a positive effect on your mood and health, especially during sleep. Kansas State University also concluded that surgical patients who had plants and flowers in their rooms had lower blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain and anxiety.

We love the Oro Negro Avocado plant from Plant-O-Gram because they can be grown in any space, produce fresh full-size fruit every year, and create a healthy atmosphere to nap.

Did you know that taking a shower before hitting the bed can help you sleep more soundly? Yes, according to Tuck.com, taking a show before bed can help you relax both physically and emotionally. They are very cleansing and it gives you a chance to disconnect from the internet, and wash off any agitations from the world.

Thanks to one of our favorite skincare lines, Hawthorne offers personalized care. Just answer a few questions through their survey and you will get skincare products that are perfect for your regimen that will help you feel fresh and clean.

What do you need in order to have a perfect 30-minute nap? Share your regimen with us.

See how making your bed can make your day better.