There’s no right or wrong way to tackle tiredness and naps certainly don’t work for everyone. But there’s plenty of science to suggest that movement can help us to feel more invigorated.

Jeff Kahn, CEO and co-founder of sleep and energy-tracking app Rise Science, tells Strong Women that he believes exercising outdoors might hold the key to beating the 3pm slump: “Taking a walk and getting outside is great for getting light during the day, which is an often overlooked part of sleep and circadian health. It will also help with blood flow in your body and ‘wake up’ your muscles and brain.”

The benefits of exercising for both mind and body are undeniable. “Ever since I started working out regularly, I haven’t felt tired at all,” says formerly tired travel writer Helen Iatrou. “Quite the opposite: it gives me a huge surge of energy.”

In fact, a few of the women I chat to anecdotally cite naps as something that make them feel even more tired – and workouts leave them feeling more alert. I’m the same: after choosing a workout over a nap, the endorphins released give me the energy I need to get through bath and bedtime with the kids. All that physical exertion also definitely helps me to sleep better.

Sleep versus exercise: should you work out or take a nap if you’re feeling sluggish and tired?