Learn • Anywhere
Rumie logo

It's the middle of the day and you feel your energy decreasing. Uh oh, it's that afternoon slump again!

Is this a good time to take a quick nap? Will it help recharge your batteries?

Let's find out if napping is the right solution for you!

Tom the cat fluffing a pillow before laying on it

Do Naps Really Help?

Jumping onto a bed to sleep

Taking a nap is a short activity but it has many of the mental and physical health benefits you get from a full-night's sleep including :

  • feeling relaxed and energized

  • improved mood and emotions

  • learning retention and memory

  • better focus and alertness

Timing Is Important!

Timing is key to getting the most out of your nap. Nap too late and you might have trouble sleeping later that night.

Best times to nap are between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This is when your body's circadian rhythm dips and you feel that afternoon slump. Try taking a power nap to recharge for the rest of the day.

Dinosaur napping on the couch

Did you know?

In some parts of the world, napping is part of the culture. In Spain it's called "siesta", in Italy it's called "riposo", and in Japan it's called "inemuri".

How Long Should I Nap For?

Pillow and 20 minute nap timer

Napping for 20 to 30 minutes gives your body enough time to relax and recharge without going into a deep sleep cycle.

The longer the nap, the higher the chance of waking up more tired and groggy...no one wants that!

Location! Location! Location!

Setting up or finding the right location to nap can help you get in the zone quickly. Whenever possible, find somewhere that is:

  • Quiet and distraction free

  • Dark or with dim lighting

  • Cool in temperature

Napping under the office desk

Avoid Naps If...

Woman pointing and saying 'Don't'

Napping has its benefits but can also have negative effects sometimes. Avoid napping if you:

  • have trouble falling or staying asleep at night

  • wake up groggy or disoriented even after 20-30 minutes of napping

Take Action

Next time you feel that afternoon slump, try these quick nap strategies:

Ross from friends saying, 'It was the best nap ever!'

License:

This Byte has been authored by

KV

Karishma Vaz

Learning Content Developer

This Byte has been reviewed by

LD

Lana Do

MD, MPH, BCMAS

English

🍪 We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info