If possible, nap once per day, at the same time each day. By scheduling your naps, you are more likely to get your body in the habit of sleeping, which will make it easier to nod off when you need it. You’ll also maximize the benefits you get from napping if you take this approach.
How Long Should You Nap?
If you need to refocus and get back on track, nap for up to 20 minutes. Don’t sleep much longer than that. If you do, you may feel like you are in a fog when you wake up or find yourself dealing with a dull headache for several hours. This is called sleep inertia. Your age is a factor here as well; sometimes, the younger the napper is, the longer they are able to rest without suffering any ill effects.
If you have more time to devote to sleeping, a 90 minute nap will allow you to get one full sleep cycle in. You should wake up and feel good when your nap is over. You may even feel a burst of creativity as well!
What Time Should You Nap?
If you want to avoid being awake all night long, make sure you don’t close your eyes after three o’clock in the afternoon. Instead, try to rest around one or two. Keep in mind, though, that the ideal napping time can vary depending on your unique circumstances. For example, how old you are, whether or not you take any medication, what time you go to bed at night and how much sleep you require are all important factors that can have an impact on this. The most important point to remember here is that the later you nap, the more likely it is that your nighttime sleep will be impacted. The earlier you can lay down, the better it will be going forward.
Naps can help you relax and help you avoid feeling too tired throughout the day. However, follow the tips included in this article to make sure you nap smart and avoid any ill effects associated with napping. When you wake up, don’t jump right back into your schedule for the day. Give yourself a few minutes to get your bearings, especially if you have demanding activities to deal with. You may find that naps become a huge part of your daily schedule!
