The perfect nap doesn't just happen. Sure, you could fall asleep sprawled out on the couch, but to get the most out of your nap, you should give it some thought. Have you ever fallen asleep in the middle of the day and woken up feeling like crap? You're groggy. You have a dry mouth. You don't have any motivation to get up and do anything. A nap can be a really beneficial thing, but you have to do it right. Here's how to take the perfect nap.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Which Kind of Nap
There are five basic types of nap and the one you choose depends on how much time you have. A power nap is about 10 to 20 minutes and lets you get back to work. The NASA nap is about 26 minutes, the scientifically proven amount of ideal sleep. A bad nap lasts for 30 minutes and messes up the rest of your day. Getting a 60-minute nap is great for creating memories and a 90-minute nap is great for restoring your brain and body before a big event or presentation.
Best Time to Nap
Experts agree that the best time to take a nap falls between 1pm and 4pm. Taking your nap too early makes it hard to fall asleep and too late interferes with getting enough sleep at night. The ideal nap is less than 30 minutes or more than 30 minutes, but not exactly 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Nap Position
The way you lie down plays a big role in getting the most out of naptime. Instead of lying down flat, you should recline a bit so that you don't fall too deeply into sleep. This is especially important if you want to take a shorter nap and don't have time to sleep for hours.
Napping Light Conditions
Because it's most likely light outside when you take nap, pay attention to the brightness of your napping space. You want to dim the lights or make the room dark so your body produces melatonin to help you drift off to sleep.
Room Temperature
If it's too cold or too hot, you aren't going to get very good sleep. The ideal room temperature for napping is between 60 and 68 degrees.
Related Videos about
Napping Accessories
Girls like accessories for any occasion. Your nap needs some extras to make it more beneficial. A sleep mask is a great idea if you want to dim the room. If you're planning to take a power nap, sip a mug of coffee before sleep to help you wake back up when it's time. Of course, you've also got to set an alarm so that you can get back up when the time comes.
What to Wear
If you want to get a really great nap, be sure you're wearing the right clothing. You want something comfortable, but that isn't too loose or too tight. At the same time, you don't want to get too hot or cold so consider how covered up you are too.
Ready for the perfect nap?
