How many of you enjoy taking naps or have regular naps?

Would you nap if you could?

Naps can be a great way to make up for lost sleep. If done properly a nap can help keep you from being too overtired at bedtime and make it difficult to fall asleep.

They can also prepare your body for a late night. If you know your bedtime will be a little later you may want to think ahead and get some rest beforehand.

Being overtired is one of the worst states for your body to be in. It has an effect on almost every other process in your body. There is no doubt that from time to time we all become overtired. That is totally normal in our busy lives but when we become sleep deprived on a regular basis, you may need more than to just take a nap.

Arianna Huffington says that companies spend between $200 to $300 billion on stress-related costs. Her answer to this problem was to install 2 nap rooms in the office. They are always full.

Many people would love to take a nap but find it difficult to make time for one. Naps are often seen as a luxury and a guilty pleasure. If done right, however, a nap can help your body rest and restore so that you aren’t so overtired at bedtime that you can’t fall asleep.

Here is my guide to the perfect nap:

1. Naps should be 20-30 minutes long. This means you will likely get some refreshing stage 2 sleep without going into your deep sleep which would leave you feeling groggy when you woke up. You may want to set an alarm so you don’t sleep too long.
2. Have a coffee right before the nap because it takes about 20 minutes for the effects of the caffeine to kick in and it will give a good boost when you wake up
3. Don’t nap too late in the day. If you nap late in the afternoon you will have a difficult time falling asleep at bedtime.
4. Wear a sleep mask so that the darkness helps you fall asleep quickly
5. Limit naps to 1 per week. If you are napping too frequently you are disrupting your nighttime sleep which is way more important. If you feel the need to nap more frequently there is probably more going on and you should get help

Our bodies love consistency and a regular sleep/wake routine will be rewarded with a good night’s sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking at the same time each morning is one of the most important steps in healthy sleep. If you do happen to have a late night, don’t sleep in in the morning. Get up at your regular time and take a short nap!

If you are struggling with sleep there are solutions. Book a FREE phone call with me today to find out how I can help!