There's nothing lovelier than the sight of a child napping -- such a sweet, enviable state, and one that I believe grown-ups should also be able to enjoy without being thought of as peculiar or lazy.
A short, 20-minute power nap has been shown to provide a fresh burst of new ideas and energy and to eliminate the need for caffeine boosts during the workday, and afterward, too. Even NASA research supports the idea that napping improves alertness, creativity and performance in those who make time for a short snooze. Still not convinced? Then you might want to take a look at the recent New York Times article that outed many NBA athletes as frequent nappers who use power snoozes to help boost performance, particularly on game days.
OK, so let's say you'd like to get into a napping groove, but you're a 9-to-5er, not an NBAer. It's still possible to slip in a midday snooze; you just have to think creatively and develop your strategy. Before you know it, you'll be snoozing like a pro. Here's how:
Select your spot.
Unless your workplace actually encourages napping, snoozing off-site is, career-wise, probably the safest choice, although some of my patients say they can occasionally catch a few Zs at their desk. To reap the benefits of a power nap and truly relax your body and mind, you'll need a quiet, private spot that's as close to bed-like comfort as possible. Office-cube dwellers might want to try NYC's Yelo Spa, which offers 20- to 40-minute power nap sessions, complete with customized aromatherapy, sounds and lighting (priced from $15 to $28). Another option would be to take a quick nap in your car or, if you live in a big city, in a local park. But bring along a buddy to watch your stuff while you nap, and be ready to return the favor when your buddy needs a power snooze.
Snooze sooner rather than later.
Don't start napping after 4 p.m. Later naps can upset your body rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep at night.
Shorter is better.
The best naps are short ones, so keep them short and sweet. The optimal time is said to be no more than 20 minutes. When you drift into the 30-minute range, sleep inertia tends to set in, leaving you dragging through rest of the day in a post-nap fog. If you "fail" to actually fall asleep, don't let it bother you; simply use the 20 minutes to meditate and clear your head. You'll still reap some napping benefits. Eventually, as your body becomes more used to a midday break, falling asleep faster for a short nap will become second nature.
Remember the equipment.
Aside from a comfortable place to stretch out, the other key ingredient in the power nap pantheon is the alarm clock. Set a clock or timer to keep you from sleeping the afternoon away and to insure that you return to the land of the alert in a reasonable amount of time.
Set the stage.
Is it too bright for you to fall asleep? Then whip out an eye-mask or a pair of big, dark, movie-star shades to help approximate darker conditions. Close blinds and turn off lights. Also remember to completely turn off or power down your desk phone's ringer, your iPhone, your Blackberry or anything else that buzzes, whirs, honks or blinks to prepare your napping environment. When total silence isn't possible, add a pair of headphones and play soothing, instrumental music to help you drift off.
Welcome back.
When the alarm goes off, you must obey! Get right up before you start sleepily hitting the snooze button. Splash some cold water on your face, flip the lights and your computer back on, and try jogging in place or moving around for a minute to restart your brain and body.
Follow Dr. Frank Lipman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/drfranklipman
we are a look busy mentality.
even if you work long hrs you must look busy.
I was amazed at how those that looked busy knew hot to pace their day to work those long hrs.
The USA has it all wrong. We are the most productive country and with the least amount of job security and fewer vacation days and women are paid less.
Open for shots at this, but please supply links.
americans think they have the best of everything.
we love our form of capitalism as it takes us to third world wages and working conditions.
If you are tired just go home. that is what most responsible companies do. In fact in my company if I am too tired to work, they wont even let me drive home...they call a taxi and send you home.
I got paid by the hour so I would literally make money to nap. It was awesome and I barely did my job. SCREW the tourist industry and I urge everyone to slack off at their jobs. It's the American way.
http://www.saramednick.com/
Additional clues from nature can be found in “The Wellness Project.”
Roy Mankovitz, Director
http://www.MontecitoWellness.com
A research organization