The afternoon slump has claimed many victims, but experts say a power nap can work like a quick system reboot. The key is keeping it short. A nap of about 15 to 20 minutes can help improve alertness without pushing you into deeper sleep that may leave you feeling groggy.
For the best power nap:
- Aim for 15 to 20 minutes
- Set an alarm before you close your eyes
- Nap in the early afternoon instead of later in the day
- Keep the room cool, dim, and free of screen distractions
- Avoid stretching naps past 30 minutes if your goal is to wake up refreshed and ready to go
Longer naps can take you into deeper stages of sleep, which may be useful for physical restoration but can also cause sleep inertia, that foggy, disoriented feeling you feel after waking up. Power naps can be a helpful reset, but they’re not a substitute for consistently getting good sleep at night.
So yes, there is a scientifically respectable excuse to close your eyes for 20 minutes in the middle of the day. Just set an alarm so your nap doesn’t spoil the rest of your day.
Source: USA Today
