How Long to Nap for the Biggest Brain Benefits | power nap time
Photo:JordanWhitt(Unsplash)Wakingupfromarefreshingnap[1]feelsgreat.You’renolongerexhausted,havemoreenergyandcanfocusonwhatyouneedtogetdone.Theproblemisthatnoteverynapfallsintothiscategory.Sometimesournapslasttoolong,leavingusdisorientedwhenwewakeup,andsomehow,evenmoretiredthanbefore.Ormaybeweputourselvesdownforanapbutneveractuallyfallasleep,so20minuteslaterwe’rejustastired—andalsofrustrated.Ifitsoundslikefiguringouttheperfectnapisascience[2],that’sbecauseitis.Ofcourse,noteveryonehastheluxury...
Photo: Jordan Whitt (Unsplash)
Waking up from a refreshing nap [1]feels great. You’re no longer exhausted, have more energy and can focus on what you need to get done. The problem is that not every nap falls into this category. Sometimes our naps last too long, leaving us disoriented when we wake up, and somehow, even more tired than before. Or maybe we put ourselves down for a nap but never actually fall asleep, so 20 minutes later we’re just as tired—and also frustrated.
If it sounds like figuring out the perfect nap is a science[2], that’s because it is. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of carefully planned naps (hi, parents[3] and other caregivers!), but for those who are able to prioritize daytime sleep, there’s research behind how much we should sleep and when. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of nappingAs it turns out, there are three types of napping, according to the ...