Ayurveda describes sleep as a basic instinct of life, essential to all living beings. We need it to rejuvenate and reenergize our body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, a daytime nap is not a good habit. This can lead to an imbalance between Kapha and Pitta dosha. This imbalance can affect the body’s optimum functioning, leading to Kapha aggravation, swellings, heaviness, reduced metabolism, obstructive channels, nflammation, obesity, etc. Sleeping during the day because you didn’t sleep well the night before will aggravate kapha and increase kapha imbalances that can lead to fatigue and obesity.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, afternoon naps for 48 minutes, or one muhurta, are permitted for children, the elderly, and those who are emaciated, exhausted from travel, over exerted, have done hard physical activity.

Ayurvedic research have shown that an increase in  Vata  during summers dries several channels of the body. But the production of kapha as well pitta during this time lubricates the body. So daytime nap is recommended only in summertime.

People dominated with kapha as well as pitta with sedentary lifestyle, or obesity, thyroid or diabetes should avoid daytime sleeping.If you are really tired, then a nap in sitting posture is good as that doesn’t aggravate kapha dosha so much. But sleep only after 1-1.5hr post meals. Walk for 100 steps post meals.