How to Take Catnaps

Catnaps are a great way to catch up on lost sleep or to refresh ourselves. For some people, though, napping can lead to problems sleeping at night.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Transit Pillows
• Ergonomic Pillows
• Sleeping Masks

1. Change into something comfortable. If at work, you might want to take off your jacket or tie or remove your shoes.

2. Stretch out on a sofa, bed or recliner. Don't put your head down on your desk, or you might wake up with a stiff neck and a backache.

3. Close your eyes and think relaxing thoughts.

4. Limit sleep time to 20 or 30 minutes, and try to take your nap before 2 p.m.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a nap if you're hitting a mid-afternoon slump; if you're drowsy and need to be alert for an important activity or long drive; if you find yourself dozing off on the job; or if you function better after a siesta and have no sleeping problems.

• If you have trouble sleeping at night, taking a daytime nap might worsen insomnia.

• A nap is not a substitute for a good night of sleep.