Have you ever felt drowsy and out of energy, like you're dragging in the middle of the day? If you answered yes, you're not alone. It's common for people to feel this way. Experts say our body temperature drops and we're often less alert around midday.

A power nap at midday may be just the solution. Those cat naps originated in the Southern hemisphere of the world, where the warm tropical climate made it nearly impossible to work during the intense heat of the day. In the old days, before television and computers, there was little else to do but sleep. People took a "siesta" -- a break for napping or resting in the early afternoon after the midday meal.

Research shows there may be significant benefits to snoozing just a little in the afternoon. Naps of 15 to 30 minutes or an hour may reverse burnout and boost performance for afternoon tasks.

In countries where siestas are common, businesses may open from early in the morning until noon, then close for three to four hours and reopen for another four or five hours. Workers nap for 15 to 30 minutes and spend the rest of their time with family. They return to work refreshed and ready to tackle the afternoon assignments.

Sleep is cumulative and therefore if you lose sleep or have a restless night, your body benefits from a midday nap the following day. Catching up on your sleep through midday napping may help reduce the number of accidents on the road, sharpen your senses and lift your spirits. Experts agree that if you become sleep deprived and do not make up the hours by taking midday naps you may throw off your body's internal clock.