Are Thanksgiving preparations making you drowsy? You’re not alone! With so much going on during the holiday season, it doesn’t take long to feel run down. If you’re craving zzz’s well before the tryptophan kicks in, why not get some speedy shut-eye with a power nap? We all know that power naps are a great way to regain energy, and by sleeping for just 15 minutes, you can feel instantly refreshed.
Sleeping cat by Dr. Hemmert, on Flickr
One key to a proper power nap is to time it correctly. As described on the website Lifehacker, you’re more likely to fall into a deep sleep in the late afternoon, so you’ll wake up feeling even sleepier. To avoid that groggy feeling, try nap in the morning or just after lunch.
Eating the right foods also makes a difference in the quality of your nap. Consuming calcium-rich foods will help you to nod off sooner, as will complex carbohydrates. However, if you really want to have a surge of energy when you wake up, you might want to try a caffeine nap. Right before you go to sleep, drink a cup of coffee (yes, really!). Researchers have found that people who consume coffee just before taking a 15-minute power nap wake up feeling even more energized than those who go caffeine-free. Just be sure that your nap isn’t more than 15 minutes, or you might feel the effects of “sleep inertia,” a.k.a., grogginess.
Finally, make sure that your surroundings are conducive to sleeping. Wear an eye mask or try light blocking curtains to darken the room. Curling up in a cozy blanket or throw is also a good idea, as your body temperature drops while you sleep.
Tell us, are you a fan of power napping? We’d love to hear from you!
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