How You Can Take Naps Like A Pro

For overworked and sleep-deprived people, napping can be a saving grace. Even if you’re not in preschool, napping can have major benefits. So much so that if you’re aren’t taking regular naps now, you may want to reconsider.

However, there’s more to just crawling into bed and sleeping for hours when it comes to napping. If you’re gonna take an afternoon slumber, you have to do it the right way to receive its benefits.

If you’re looking to become a napping pro, consider the following tips to take the most effective naps.

Why Should I Nap?

Taking a nap can improve your memory, boost your alertness, increase your creativity, and even improve your mood, according to multiple studies. These effects don’t just happen right after your nap either — the effects can last all day.

When’s The Best Time To Nap?

The optimal time to nap is between 2pm and 4pm during that afternoon slump where you experience a drop in energy as a result of your body’s natural circadian rhythms.

You can also use this interactive nap wheel designed by sleep researcher, Dr. Sara Mednick, to find the optimal time for you based on when you wake up.

How Long Should I Nap?

The crucial thing about taking a smart nap is to make sure your nap isn’t very long — the maximum time it should take is one hour. But it also depends on what benefits you’re looking for.

A 10 to 20 minute nap is helpful for improving alertness and motor skills, while a nap between 30 and 60 minutes can help with creativity and memory recall.

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