19 science-backed benefits of napping

Naps can be pure bliss.

Reuters/Mark Makela

The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. But a 2013 Gallup poll found Americans average 6.8 hours per night, and 40% get fewer than seven hours.

Napping could help make up for the lack of sleep.

Here are just 19 of the many health benefits napping offers.