Power naps are short periods of sleep that have a variety of health benefits. Some studies have shown that power naps can raise your energy levels, improve your mental performance, and even help you remember things. However, you should be careful not to overdo it. A good rule of thumb is to try to nap for 20 minutes at a time. The longer the nap, the more likely it will be to enter slow wave sleep and disrupt your normal sleep cycle.
While power naps are a cool concept, they may be a bit too farfetched to actually work. If you are interested in trying them out, it is a good idea to start by setting a timer. Having a timer means that you are not tempted to fall asleep in the middle of a nap. You also want to ensure that you’re putting enough time in to get the full benefit of the experience.
One of the most impressive sleep-related findings of recent years is that a mid-day nap can improve your performance. In fact, the effects of a power nap are so notable that some employers are encouraging their employees to take them. Taking a nap before lunch can increase your productivity, and it can improve your sleep hygiene, too.
It’s no secret that sleep deprivation affects everything from your emotional health to your physical health. But, how can you go about improving your sleep? Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that you can try. First, you can look into the use of meditation. Meditation has been shown to increase alertness, and can be a good way to combat sleep inertia. Second, you can take a nap in a quiet environment. This will allow you to unwind from your hectic day and relax.
Lastly, you can also try out some of the other sleep-related techniques available on the market. For instance, you can subscribe to Headspace, a program that offers a suite of sleep-related tools including guided meditation, a sleep calculator, and an app to track your sleeping habits. They even have a free week trial.
Finally, you should consider the effects of caffeine. Caffeine can help you get to sleep faster, but it may interfere with your normal sleep cycles. Make sure you don’t ingest more than a cup of coffee or two before bedtime, and don’t have caffeine after 3 p.m. Those who are on the road a lot might also wish to consider a nap while in a car.
Ultimately, the best time to nap depends on your own personal circadian rhythm. Generally, the optimal time is between 1 and 3 p.m. but it’s best to check with your doctor to make sure you are getting the right amount of rest.
To learn more about the benefits of a nap, you can also read Sara Mednick’s TED Talk, Give it Up for the Down-State of Sleep, which describes the science behind the nap. There are also numerous apps to help you track your naptime.
