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The Secret of Power Napping

After a long weekend filled with chocolate, activities, and turkey feasts I would imagine some of us need a power snooze. Power naps for adults can enhance performance, reduce stress, and reduce mistakes and accidents. Naps can increase alertness right after the nap and can even extend alertness a few hours later in the day. They also provide an easy way to relax and rejuvenate. Sleep deprivation can be treated with naps as well. Although you can’t go wrong with an afternoon siesta, there can be negative effects in certain situations. For example, if you nap too late in the day you may affect your nighttime sleep schedule or if you nap for too long you may wake up with sleep inertia. Sleep i

Yin and Yang of Chocolate

With the Easter long weekend approaching many people are on the hunt for all the favourite Easter treats such as Cadbury milk eggs or Lindt chocolate bunnies. Before splurging on all that chocolate, you may want to consider the health benefits and detriments of choosing chocolate and why lots of people crave its unique flavor. Why Do We Crave Chocolate? When we eat chocolate the brain releases endorphins. In one study, the increase in dopamine was as great as the stimulant drug Ritalin when a small piece of chocolate brownie was placed in the mouth. Chocolate also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid responsible for us feeling calm, relaxed, and ready for a good night’s sleep. Trypto