How to Power Nap for Increased Productivity

Sleep is under-rated in the health and mental health industry, and most pursued by billions of people. According to recent research, a 26-minute power nap can result in 54% greater productivity at your job.

Many high producers were well-known power nappers, known as cat nappers in their day. Consider these famous individuals: Winston Churchhill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and many, many more.

For optimum results, sleep 7-8 hours at night, and then power nap during the day. For many, the body's natural biorhythms run down in the middle of the afternoon, later perking up as the day wears on. Increase your productivity by giving in when the drowsies strike. Whatever your work situation, using one of your breaks at work to take a short power nap will make you a more valuable employee, as well as help you stay physically and mentally fit.

To add a power nap to your work day, follow these steps:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• at least 6 minutes
• 26 minutes is best

1. AVOID SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON
   
   Avoid scheduling appointments at the time of day when you find yourself most drowsy, usually early afternoon.

2. CHOOSE A SECLUDED LOCATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE
   
   If your employer doesn't provide couches--and very few do so--then you will have to create your own power nap site. There are so many different types of work sites that it is impossible to cover every situation in one article. However, do consider keeping a light blanket and even a small pillow with your work gear. For many people, covering the shoulders with a light blanket helps to induce a feeling of security that promotes quick and deep sleep: the ingredients of a power nap.

3. REDUCE THE STRESS OF FEAR OF NOT WAKING UP ON TIME
   
   To make certain that the fear of not waking up on time will prevent you from getting to sleep or from sleeping soundly, set an alarm or ask a trusted friend to call you--whatever it takes. Cell phones and watches typically have alarm functions, so it should not be too difficult to come up with a method that will work for you.

4. AVOID CAFFEINE IN THE AFTERNOON
   
   Drinking caffeine in the afternoon can interfere with your power nap. The effects of caffeine can last up to 4 to 6 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Power naps are not for the purpose of making up your sleep deficit because you go to bed too late and get up too early. Power naps are beneficial for those who DO get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Power naps are about recharging your batteries, increasing your physical stamina, improving your memory and mood.

[EarthMother]

on 11/13/2009 How to Power Nap for Increased Productivity was a great read. I get 7 to 8 hours of sleep now but when I didn't these power naps worked wonders. Smile!

[southerngirl09]

on 11/11/2009 Great article on how to power nap for increased productivity. Power naps really do work. 5*

[jenng]

on 11/1/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Power Nap for Increased Productivity 5*

[ramblin62]

on 10/16/2009 Great article on using power naps to recharge for a more productive day! It can be hard to make this part of the work routine, but even a little snooze at lunch can do wonders! tx.

[betterbody]

on 10/14/2009 Good 5 * details for power napping.