Resting

Resting is a period of reduced activity during which an organism decreases physical movement and mental effort to recover from exertion and restore function. In humans, rest encompasses both wakeful stillness and sleep. Rest is distinct from sleep, though sleep is a form of resting that involves unconscious processes; rest may occur while awake (sitting quietly, lying down with eyes closed).

Physiologically, resting tends to lower metabolic rate, muscle tension, heart rate, and levels of circulating stress hormones compared with active states. It allows cellular repair, energy replenishment, and cognitive processing. Resting can occur in short episodes (microbreaks) or longer periods such as naps or periods of sleep.

Types of rest include physical rest (reduced movement after heavy exertion), cognitive rest (reducing mental tasks, mindfulness, daydreaming), and social or emotional rest (time away from social or emotional demands). Rest can also be considered in terms of duration, location, and context, influencing its restorative effects.

In daily life, appropriate rest supports performance, mood, and safety. Short, regular breaks during work or study reduce fatigue and improve attention; sufficient sleep affects learning, memory consolidation, and immune function. Chronic insufficient rest is linked to increased injury risk, slower recovery, and poorer health outcomes.

Measurement of rest often uses metrics such as resting metabolic rate (RMR) and resting heart rate, while subjective assessments include perceived restfulness or sleep quality. Cultural norms and individual needs influence how people rest, with variations in nap practices, bedtime routines, and work-rest schedules.

Rest is a fundamental aspect of human physiology and behavior, interwoven with sleep, recovery, and wellbeing. Understanding rest involves physiology, psychology, and social factors, and it is considered in fields ranging from medicine and sports science to occupational health.