Tips for Power Napping

We all have days when we're feeling less than 100% and power naps can help combat middle-of-the-day fatigue. Many people find themselves rejuvenated after taking a 20-30 minute nap, while others might wake up feeling even more sleepy. If you are the kind of person who benefits from power naps, however, you should take advantage whenever possible. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of power napping.

Know the Signs

Everyone knows when they reach the point that fatigue renders them a danger to themselves and others. You should never drive when you're feeling less than alert and you definitely shouldn't engage in activities at work where you might make a mistake. Some people know they need a power nap when they start to get irritated by minute incidents, while others might experience memory loss when they reach a certain point of fatigue. When you reach that point, a power nap can help hold you over until you can go home and sleep for the night, so learn your own personal signs and listen to them.

Control the Environment

Some people have difficulty power napping solely because they are in unfamiliar surroundings. While the couch in your office might not be the best place to stop for a power nap, it is certainly adequate. Learn how to control the environment to get the most out of power naps. Turn out all of the lights and close the doors and windows. If there's lots of noise, plug your ears with cotton balls or rubber ear plugs. You might also want to keep a dark-colored mask with you to block out all light so that nothing disturbs your power nap. You can also make yourself feel more at home by keeping a pillow at your office for those long hours in front of the computer when you just need a break.

Set an Alarm

These days, most people have access to all kinds of alarms. Most cell phones have alarms you can set and you can purchase handy travel alarms. You won't be able to take a power nap if you're worried that you won't wake up, so keep something on your person that can serve as a makeshift alarm. This will give you the peace of mind needed to fall asleep without worrying that you'll sleep for hours rather than taking a power nap.

Know Your Napping Style