Could Taking a Daily Nap at Work Help to Prevent Hair Loss?

Researchers at the University of Michigan have come up with an idea that we could all get behind: taking a nap at work is good for you.

Its studies found that not only did napping boost productivity and safety in the workplace but that people who took brief 60 minute catnaps during the day were less irritable and stressed - all of which is good news for anyone with or concerned about hair loss.

Redressing 'prolonged wakefulness' balance

According to the trial data, the reason for this research is 'Because prolonged wakefulness is becoming more common, it is becoming increasingly important to identify effective approaches to decrease resultant cognitive deficiencies'. Napping was thought to be a potentially useful tool as 'recent research has shown that napping can increase positive mood, and improve immune functioning, demonstrating the additional benefits of naps beyond reducing sleepiness and fatigue'.

For the study, which was published in the Personality and Individual Differences journal, researchers observed 40 volunteers who were divided at random into nap or no-nap groups. The aim was to determine the impact of a single 60 minute midday nap on the subjects' emotional control, using the non-nappers as a control group.

The results were based on self-assessment by each individual and, when compiled, their answers showed that the napping particpants were better able to tolerate frustration and felt less impulsive after their hour's sleep, whereas the non-napping group reported the opposite results.

Lead study author, Jennifer Goldschmied, a doctoral student in the University of Michigan's psychology department said: "Our results suggest that napping may be a beneficial intervention for individuals who may be required to remain awake for long periods of time by enhancing the ability to persevere through difficult or frustrating tasks.”

Reducing stress

Lack of sleep

is a form of stress and as more and more studies are increasingly showing, can take a huge toll on our overall health. When it comes to our hair, stress is often cited as a factor in initiating certain hair loss conditions but also for prolonging or worsening others.

Conditions such as Male Pattern Baldness and the women's equivalent, Female Pattern Hair Loss, are caused by genetics - that is an indisputable fact. However, stress is believed to cause an increase in thinning hair by accelerating the rate at which hair is shed.

Temporary hair loss from Telogen Effluvium and Chronic Telogen Effluvium - conditions which causes diffuse thinning all over the scalp and are mostly seen in women - or sudden hair fall from the autoimmune disorder Alopecia Areata can also be triggered by intense stress or sudden shock.

Whilst a specialist will be able to tailor a personalised hair loss treatment course to address your condition, as stress and hair loss are so intertwined, anything you can do to manage your anxiety levels is advisable and, as the University of Michigan's study confirms, it seems taking naps at work may have benefits far beyond the health of your hair.