Why do I feel so much worse after a nap – and how can I avoid it?

The article discusses the common phenomenon of feeling worse after taking a nap. Experts explain that this "sleep inertia" is a temporary state of grogginess, disorientation, and impaired cognitive and sensory-motor performance that can occur upon waking up, especially from a longer nap. Factors like the stage of sleep you wake up from, dehydration, and disruption to your circadian rhythm can contribute to the unpleasant after-effects. To avoid this, the article suggests keeping naps short (15-30 minutes), ensuring you're well-rested before napping, and staying hydrated. Additionally, gradually easing into wakefulness, rather than being jolted awake, can help minimize the unpleasant symptoms of sleep inertia.
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