The Power of Sleep
Many adults feel that they are too old to nap or don’t have the time to do so. As it turns out, a 15-30 minute power nap can not only increase stamina and motor skills, but it can also boost creativity! According to studies by The Department of Psychology at the University of California at Riverside, “without a midday rest, we are not able to perform at optimal levels throughout the day.” And on top of that, studies show that a 30-minute nap could increase your cognitive faculties by about 40%!
When it comes to napping, here are some tips to make the best use of your time:
- Power naps are short by definition. You will feel the most benefit if you limit it to between 15 and 30 minutes. If you go beyond 45 minutes, the reverse will happen and you can end up more tired than before your nap.
- Research has shown that the best time for napping occurs about 8 hours after you wake. For most people, that falls between 1 and 3 pm.
- Keep the room as quiet and as dark as possible. That way it is easier to relax and wake up refreshed.
- Taking a nap can help you tune out the world for a short while so you can come back refreshed and ready to get back to work!
