Nap time isn’t just for kids. In fact, indulging in a little mid-day snooze may actually improve your quality of life!
As a nation, we seem to be more and more sleep-deprived, and our busy lifestyles may be to blame. While naps don’t necessarily make up for inadequate or poor quality nighttime sleep, a short nap can help to improve mood, enhance performance, increase alertness and reduce mistakes and accidents, according to the Sleep Foundation.
Keep it short. Although highly encouraged, napping too long can sometimes have reverse effects. A short nap (20-30 minutes) around noon or early afternoon is usually recommended for short-term alertness without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.
Get cozy. Your environment can also greatly impact your ability to fall asleep during your nap time. Make sure that you have a calming place to lie down with limited light and noise. One of the benefits from working from home is that you can take a quick lunchtime siesta in the comfort of your own bed (or sofa).
Don’t nap too late in the day. Your adenosine levels start to rise mid-afternoon, signaling a need to sleep, and this metabolic waste is flushed as you snooze. If you nap too late in the day (and/or nap too long), you may disrupt your natural sleep cycle and have trouble settling in for the night at your usual bedtime.