You have been asked to write an essay in support of naps.

Which of the following contains the best thesis statement and supporting ideas for this essay?


Thesis statement:

Naps are counter-productive, and make you more tired rather than less.

Many people claim that napping makes them alert and refreshed, but I am always groggy after a nap.
According to the Mayo Clinic, naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. It also warns that a need to nap can be a sign of a serious medical problem.
Adding a nap only puts more strain on a busy schedule. Doing a few stretches or switching focus to a different task are more efficient ways to stay sharp.

Thesis statement:

Everyone should nap.

Sleep has many health benefits, ranging from protection against heart attacks and obesity to less stress and depression.
Doctors recommend seven to eight hours of sleep per day.
The Journal of Sports Science had ten athletes run sprints before and after a nap. They found that most ran faster after napping.

Thesis statement:

Humans evolved to nap.

Chimpanzees get an average of 11 – 12 hours of sleep per day, while humans sleep for 7 – 8 hours.
Eighty-five percent of mammals experience polyphasic sleep, meaning they sleep multiple times each day.
Infants and old people, who aren’t constrained by school and work schedules, nap.

Thesis statement:

Daytime naps can reduce health issues caused by age-related insomnia.

As people age, they both sleep less and sleep less well. Deep sleep cycles, which have a restorative function, are reduced.
A study of middle-aged and elderly subjects conducted by the Harvard Medical School found that a daily nap increased both total sleep and deep sleep. The naps did not cause daytime drowsiness or decrease nighttime sleep.
A nap study on a group of healthy people over 50 has shown that after a month of regular napping, participants had a significant improvement in their performance on cognitive and memory tests.

Thesis statement:

Daytime naps can reduce health issues caused by age-related insomnia.

As people age, they both sleep less and sleep less well. Deep sleep cycles, which have a restorative function, are reduced.
A study of middle-aged and elderly subjects conducted by the Harvard Medical School found that a daily nap increased both total sleep and deep sleep. The naps did not cause daytime drowsiness or decrease nighttime sleep.
A nap study on a group of healthy people over 50 has shown that after a month of regular napping, participants had a significant improvement in their performance on cognitive and memory tests.

This thesis statement provides a clear argument in support of naps by highlighting the positive impact they can have on reducing health issues related to age-related insomnia. The supporting ideas also provide evidence from studies conducted by reputable sources such as Harvard Medical School, further solidifying the argument.