When I nap, it is usually at my universities library. I have a "secret" place where there is a very comfortable leather chair with a stool. I prop my feet up, throw on some quiet tunes on my iPod, and nap for about 15 minutes. That is what I have found to be my optimum amount of time to get re-energized and able to think again.

Considering humans are part of the 15% of mammals that are monophasic sleepers, meaning that our days are divided into two distinct periods, one for sleep and one for wakefulness. Other than children and the elderly, the majority of us can make it without naps (not that they're not helpful). Science still isn't sure how this came about, but its interesting to think about. Here are some tips on napping as well as benefits from the National Sleeping Foundation:

TIPS:

• A short nap is usually recommended (20-30 minutes) for short-term alertness. This type of nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.
• Your surroundings can greatly impact your ability to fall asleep. Make sure that you have a restful place to lie down and that the temperature in the room is comfortable. Try to limit the amount of noise heard and the extent of the light filtering in. While some studies have shown that just spending time in bed can be beneficial, it is better to try to catch some zzz’s.
• If you take a nap too late in the day, it might affect your nighttime sleep patterns and make it difficult to fall asleep at your regular bedtime. If you try to take it too early in the day, your body may not be ready for more sleep.

BENEFITS:

• Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.
• Naps can increase alertness in the period directly following the nap and may extend alertness a few hours later in the day.
• Scheduled napping has also been prescribed for those who are affected by narcolepsy.
• Napping has psychological benefits. A nap can be a pleasant luxury, a mini-vacation. It can provide an easy way to get some relaxation and rejuvenation.

Naps really are helpful...I'm considering taking one now!

When I nap, it is usually at my universities library. I have a "secret" place where there is a very comfortable leather chair with a stool. I prop my feet up, throw on some quiet tunes on my iPod, and nap for about 15 minutes. That is what I have found to be my optimum amount of time to get re-energized and able to think again.

Considering humans are part of the 15% of mammals that are monophasic sleepers, meaning that our days are divided into two distinct periods, one for sleep and one for wakefulness. Other than children and the elderly, the majority of us can make it without naps (not that they're not helpful). Science still isn't sure how this came about, but its interesting to think about. Here are some tips on napping as well as benefits from the National Sleeping Foundation:

TIPS:

• A short nap is usually recommended (20-30 minutes) for short-term alertness. This type of nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.
• Your surroundings can greatly impact your ability to fall asleep. Make sure that you have a restful place to lie down and that the temperature in the room is comfortable. Try to limit the amount of noise heard and the extent of the light filtering in. While some studies have shown that just spending time in bed can be beneficial, it is better to try to catch some zzz’s.
• If you take a nap too late in the day, it might affect your nighttime sleep patterns and make it difficult to fall asleep at your regular bedtime. If you try to take it too early in the day, your body may not be ready for more sleep.

BENEFITS:

• Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.
• Naps can increase alertness in the period directly following the nap and may extend alertness a few hours later in the day.
• Scheduled napping has also been prescribed for those who are affected by narcolepsy.
• Napping has psychological benefits. A nap can be a pleasant luxury, a mini-vacation. It can provide an easy way to get some relaxation and rejuvenation.
  
  Naps really are helpful...I'm considering taking one now!