How to Find Time to Nap

Whether you call it a nap, a siesta or a power snooze at your desk, most people find that 40 winks during the day gives them a boost. Researchers say we'd all be more productive after a 20 minute nap, because napping gives many of the same restorative benefits that a full night's sleep provides. But with careers, children and constant errands, it's hard to fit in a nap.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sleep when the baby sleeps, if you're a new mother. Moms of newborn are notorious for using baby's downtime to clean, cook and do laundry. But you'll function better if you feel rested.

2. Sit the kids in front of a video, and tell them it's quiet time for everybody. Then flop on the sofa for 15 or 20 minutes. Even if you just doze, you'll be more efficient the rest of the day.

3. Lock your office door, pull the shades and turn off the lights. Put your head down on your desk and go to sleep. Better yet, borrow a colleague's office if she's out to lunch. Work won't be calling your name so loudly in another person's office.

4. Try to arrive for meetings, appointments or picking up the kids several minutes early. But don't go in. Instead, sit in your car, close your eyes and catnap.

5. Take a late lunch in a quiet place. The library usually has some comfy chairs. Find one that's out of the way, plug in earphones to listen to a relaxation CD and catch some much needed sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• You should buy a watch with an alarm on it so you don't oversleep when stealing a nap in the car or at the office.