The lifestyle of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the best, most well-documented of any person.
AFTERNOON NAP
Qaylulah (Arabic) / Siesta
Qaylulah means to rest after lunch, and not necessarily to sleep. It is a Sunnah (practice) of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.
In Quba, at the house of Ummu Haraam radhiallahu anha, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam is reported to have rested after eating. (Bukhari) Likewise, he is reported to have took a siesta on other occassions.
The Sahaaba mention that they used to perform Juma Salaah, have lunch and then take a nap.
Umar radhiallahu anhu used to encourage other Sahaaba and his governors to take a siesta.
The Sahaaba punctually observed Qaylulah.
A narration states that the devil does not take Qaylulah.
It strenghtens the mind, and revitalises a person. It specifically aids in performing worship of Allah at night. (Zaadul Ma’aad)
[Ash-Shamaail al-Kubra Volume Two]
A six-year Greek study found that taking a nap in the middle of the day reduces the risk of death from heart disease. Those who took a 30-minute siesta 3 times a week had a 37% lower risk of heart-related death. Experts said napping might help people to relax, reducing their stress levels and thus giving better health. Working men who took midday naps had a 64% reduced risk of death. %
(BBC Health, Feb 13, 2007)
