It’s Monday and the day after Daylight Saving Time, which means you’re probably even more exhausted than usual today. Luckily, today is also National Napping Day – when taking a brief snooze is not only acceptable but also encouraged. After all, studies show that taking a short “power nap” can have a powerful impact on your mood, energy and productivity. One NASA study found that pilots who took a 40-minute nap improved their performance by 34 percent and alertness by 100 percent.So, how can you make the most out of your nap? The National Sleep Foundation offers some helpful hints:
- Aim for a 20- to 30-minute nap, which will improve alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep. If you sleep longer than that, you’ll go into a stage of sleep that’s very difficult to get out of.
- Choose a proper sleep environment. Pick an area with minimal noise and light and a temperature that’s not too cold or too hot, between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Don’t nap too late. You don’t want to nap too close to bedtime, so try the middle afternoon for the best energy boost. The hours between noon and 4 pm also match the low point of the body’s circadian cycle.
Even if you don’t have time to fit in a nap on National Napping Day, make sure to take some time and rest today. Even if you don’t fall asleep, closing your eyes for five or 10-minutes can benefit your body and mind!
A Healthier You at Providence
Taking time to take care of you is an important part of lasting recovery. To this end, we offer our clients an Aftercare Integration Program (AIS) to give them the tools to manage stress, time, and more as they return to their careers. To find out more, call today: (866) 247-3307.
