It’s been a long, trying day at work and you are anticipating packing up and going home any minute. Your eyes are cloudy and you just want to curl up and take a nap. Your mood takes a bigger nose dive when you realize it’s only 2 in the afternoon and you have four more hours before you can leave. There’s no way you’re going to be able to accomplish anything else today because you just can’t focus anymore.

Does this sound familiar?

Strangely enough, it turns out that a 15-30 minute power nap can not only increase stamina and motor skills, it can also boost creativity.  According to studies by The Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside, “without a midday rest, we are not able to perform at optimal levels throughout the day.”

I knew that I wasn’t meant to sit at a desk for 8+ hours and expect that I could be productive the whole time. Now, I know that science is behind me. Even NASA claims that a 30 minute nap could increase your cognitive faculties by about 40%!

Click here to learn more about Coach Brooke Shelton!

Here’s the catch, though. There are some “rules” to get the best out of your naptime. First of all, power naps are short by definition. You will feel the most benefit if you limit it to between 15 and 30 minutes. If you go beyond 45 minutes, the reverse will happen and you can end up more groggy than before your nap. Secondly, research has shown that the best time for napping occurs about 8 hours after you wake. Most people will find that napping between 1 and 3pm is the sweet spot. Third, keep the room quiet and as dark as possible. This makes it easier for you to relax wake up refreshed.

So, next time you’re feeling a bit groggy, try tuning out the world for a short while and you’ll come back refreshed and ready to get back to business!

Coach Brooke

Additional resources on sleep:

Not a member of Actualize Sports & Fitness?

Are you adult who is interested in transforming your health and fitness? Check out two entry level offerings at Actualize Fitness!

30-Day Trial

3-Month Transformation Challenge

Are you a competitive athlete who wants to increase performance while decreasing the likelihood of injury? Click below to learn more about Actualize Sports!

Actualize Sports

Actualize Sports & Fitness is North Central Washington’s premier performance enhancement training, health and nutrition, and mental achievement coaching center. We exist to educate, encourage and empower Actualize Sports (competitive athletes, teams & coaches) & Actualize Fitness (fitness enthusiasts of all ages & abilities) clients to actualize their unique purpose and potential in athletics, fitness and life.

Actualize Your Purpose & Potential

One response to “Sleep On It

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *