If you’re feeling tired and need to recharge, consider laying down for a short power nap.
Even if you only have 15 to 20 minutes to spare, a power nap can do wonders for your alertness, as well as your motor learning skills.
Research shows that power naps are more effective than caffeine. Furthermore, napping helps reduce stress.
The best time of day to take a power nap is between the hours of 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
It’s best to set your alarm for 15-30 minutes so that your brain does not have time to go into deeper sleep.
Benefits of napping from the Sleep Foundation:
- Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.
- Naps can increase alertness in the period directly following the nap and may extend alertness a few hours later in the day.
- Scheduled napping has also been prescribed for those who are affected by narcolepsy.
- Napping has psychological benefits. A nap can be a pleasant luxury, a mini-vacation. It can provide an easy way to get some relaxation and rejuvenation.
A short power nap is a great way to spend your 30-minute break.
Sources:
The Sleep Foundation
WebMD