NAPPINESS could become the new watchword for improving our sense of well-being, new research suggests.

Scientists have discovered a link between happiness and short naps. And they have coined a new word to describe the contented state that follows a brief daytime doze: nappiness.

Professor Richard Wiseman, from the University of Hertfordshire, said: “Previous research has shown that naps of under 30 minutes make you more focused, productive and creative, and these new findings suggest the tantalising possibility that you can also become happier by just taking a short nap.

“Similarly, longer napping is associated with several health risks and, again, this is in line with our results.”

More than 1,000 people took part in the study, conducted for the Edinburgh International Science Festival which begins on Saturday.