Tips and products to use when you want to fit in a quick 20 minute power nap into your day
I love napping! I try to fit in naps in my schedule whenever possible! There is nothing more refreshing and rejuvenating as a quick 20 minute snooze in the early afternoon. The more time I can dedicate to a great night’s sleep and a little relaxation throughout my day, the better mood I am in, the more pleasant I am to be around (just ask my family), and the more creative and prepared I feel to take on the day’s challenges.
Some of the world’s most influential people are famous for napping like a boss – Salvador Dali, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Leonardo DaVinci, Thomas Edison, and Margaret Thatcher all attributed to higher performance due to their napping.
Studies show a short midday nap can actually really help with sleepiness if you do it the right way! Instead of an added dose of caffeine when the afternoon lull starts to kick in, try substituting for a short power nap instead. This may have an even better effect on your alertness, and is an easy way to cut down on the caffeine intake.
Benefits of power napping as an adult can include:
Relaxation
Reduced fatigue
Increased alertness
Improved mood
Improved performance, including quicker reaction time and better memory
At the same time, napping can still be risky in the sense that it can disrupt your nighttime sleep habits and patterns if you do not nap the right way. It is crucial to keep naps short, between 10 and 20 minutes. You do not want to fall into a deep sleep or you will wake up feeling more tired and groggy. You should also schedule your naps for the early afternoon if possible. Napping after 3pm can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night, and disrupt your nighttime sleep pattern in the long term.
Creating a restful environment is also key to taking the most restful power nap in a short amount of time. Find a quiet, dark place that you can relax. Close the curtains and turn off lights if possible. Create dark, cool space that will help you to fall asleep quickly. In addition to setting the right atmosphere, there are products you can use to make you the most comfortable.
Some of the products I recommend trying out for the best possible power naps are:
The True Temp Blanket that you can layer on top of your bedding to keep the bed made neat and tidy. The True Temp blanket is versatile for any occasion, and temperature regulating for any season. Choose your favorite color and layer it on top of your bed for a fashion statement when you are not using it to nap!
The SleepSmart Down-Alternative Pillow will have you falling asleep the second you rest your head on the pillow. This pillow has body heat activated performance, and comfort personalized to each sleeper's need for warmth. Nap in all seasons with this pillow!
While we often associate naps with young children who need extra hours of sleep throughout the day, it is important that as we grow older we can still benefit from power naps as adults! If you are going through a life change, a schedule shift, or have another added stressor in your life, you especially can notice a difference in how you approach the day if you start to implement short naps here and there!
About Inventive Sleep® x Tracy Miller
Tracy Miller is a trusted inventor and innovator of dynamic, technology driven, and comfortable products for the home, and founder of Inventive Sleep™. Her engaging brands are found in millions of homes and hotels across the country. As a Sleep Products Innovator, Tracy is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams and goals starting with a great night’s sleep. Her reputation for combining proven and modern materials in everyday products including sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets and mattress pads, adds exciting new comfort and performance qualities consumers love to incorporate into their homes. Tracy is also the author of the weekly sleep blog Sleep Secrets and Inspirations. In it, she shares her expertise on materials research and design, and demystifies the sleep experience with an informative and fun-filled conversation on how sleep helps people with daily living, as well as some of her tips and tricks on picking your favorite products. For more information, visit www.inventivesleep.com. Sleep Tonight. Create Tomorrow.™