Three Drug-Free Ways to Have a Good Power Nap

Many would agree that they're not getting adequate sleep over the course of a night. As a result, it seems as if people are constantly attempting to "catch up on sleep", in a futile effort to rectify a growing sleep deficit. The medical community agrees that in order to function properly during the day, one needs sufficient rest for cognitive processes to take place.

It is recommended that people take power naps in order to refresh themselves and continue on in their day. But if you're anything like me, naps can be dangerous territory. In my case, much needed naps usually turn into full-on sleep sessions lasting at least 2-3 hours. Another problem I have encountered is that terribly "groggy" feeling one gets after a bout of hard sleep; I have often felt worse after my nap than I did in the beginning.

Luckily, physicians and scientists have reviewed the average adult's sleep patterns. There is now a host of products on the market these days that promote healthy, drug-free power napping.

Dull the Senses...

One of the main problems I have with napping is that the conditions are rarely conducive to catching up on much needed sleep. I associate naps with daytime. Most people like myself have difficulty drifting off with certain external stimuli poking around at their senses.

The easiest solution to this problem is to dull the senses, so as to quiet some of the brain's activity. BedtimePlace.com is a website dedicated entirely to the process of getting some good sleep. In fact, they carry sleep kits, which contain various items for reducing the effects of external stimuli. A basic kit only costs $7 or so. It contains an eye mask, Breathe-Right strips (for better breathing/ reduced snoring), and ear plugs. A more "advanced" kit costing $39.95 includes all the items from the basic kit, in addition to relaxing bath items, a lavendar travel candle, a Sleepytime Aromatherapy inhaler, a calming tea sampler and a travel bag to put it all in. You would be surprised at how much you can improve your sleep, simply by turning down the lights, removing sound, and improving your breathing.

A Little "Chemical" Help...