Power Naps Make You Creative

Wellness

oi-Anwesha

By Anwesha Barari

Thursday, August 30, 2012, 17:59 [IST]

Sleepy afternoon at work? May be the solution to your sleepiness is some actually sleep. It is an obvious thing that you can wake your sleepy head by sleeping but is it feasible? Many scientists believe that power naps are healthy provided you realise that napping is different from snoozing. Taking a power nap in the middle of the day makes you more alert and boosts creativity. However, you need to plan your sleep time in a proper way.

Power sleep for the mind:

Sleep has nothing to do with our body. You sleep when your brain tells you to sleep. No matter how tired your body feels, unless your brain says its time to sleep , you won't feel sleepy. That is why we feel sleepy before examinations even without doing any hard work. But when it is time for a late night movie, we are full of energy even after the day's work.

When is the best time to take a nap?

A power nap must be taken when your mind feels tired. Ideally this will be around late afternoon just after lunch. That is just about 3 o' clock is the time of the afternoon siesta. Now you are not going to take a full fledged siesta but taking a nap will help you get back to work with renew vigour. Another time to take a power nap is around mid-morning, between 11:30 am to 12 noon. This is when the effect of your morning coffee starts to wear off.

How long should the power nap be?

There are 3 kinds of power nap that you can take. The time of sleep varies but all three are naps will help you function in a better way.

1. Micro Nap: This ranges from 2 to 5 minutes. You just push back your chair, lay back your head and close your eyes for a few minutes. This kind of nap can be taken sitting at your work station.

2. Mini Nap: This could range from any time between 5 to 15 minutes. It is a shorter version of a power garnering sleep. When you are pressed for time and need to relax for a bit, you can go into the conference room and put your head down for 10 minutes.

3. Power Nap: This is the original power nap that is like a mini siesta in the middle of the Day. It should last exactly for 20 minutes. You need to find a dark cosy corner to lie down and sleep restfully for 20 minutes. This will rest your mind and you will wake up full of energy and ideas.

Power naps are now a part of a healthy lifestyle. Sparing 20 minutes for a nap is better than being caught napping at work by your boss. Isn't it?