Even a 10 to 20-minute nap can do your body and brain a ton of good when you’re sleep deprived. Problem is, it’s not always easy to wake up after your head hits the pillow, and some of us avoid naps altogether for fear of feeling even more exhausted and groggy for the rest of the day. But, you can still get some much needed Zzzs without sabotaging the rest of le jour, even if you’re at the office. Here’s how to get the perfect power nap…
Drink A Coffee Before
The caffeine in a cup of coffee takes about 30 minutes to kick in. Instead of brewing a pot for after your power nap, drink a cup a few minutes before closing your eyes. You’ll get a kick of caffeine-fueled alertness right when you want to wake up, leaving you surprisingly rejuvenated. Chances are, you won’t even need to set the alarm on your iPhone.
Nap In A Comfy Chair Or With Your Head More Elevated
Not only will catching a quick shut-eye in a place that’s not your bed stop you from having that terrifying post-nap, “Oh my God, it’s the next day already!” feeling, it’s actually a lot easier to wake up from a nap if you’re resting in a slightly upright position. You have more chances of falling into a deeper sleep if you get totally horizontal.
Aim For A Nap Between 1pm and 4pm
If you nap any later than 4pm, you’ll risk not falling asleep at your usual bedtime, and the idea of a nap is to re-energize, not further complicate your sleeping patterns. If you can use your lunch break for a little downtime, you’re golden. If you feel like napping after work, just power through the rest of the day and go to bed early instead.
Don’t Create A Cocoon
The key is not to get too comfy. Don’t turn the light off. Avoid your favourite comforter. In fact, don’t let your body get too warm to begin with. As tempting as it seems to sleep like a baby, it’s a power nap, not a sleep marathon. Besides, if you close your office door and just make like you’re on an important phone call, you might just get away with it.
