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. Â 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