Eric Paulsen

Eric Paulsen

I wanted to be in radio since I was four - and four decades later I still haven't grown out of it...Full Bio

 

How long should you nap? Here's a handy guide...

Since today (February 28th) is National Public Sleeping Day, it's a great time to talk different kinds of naps and which ones - read: lengths - are best. 

The Power Nap is approximately 10 to 20 minutes long and can give you a boost of energy to get through the rest of the day. Power Naps tend to not leave you drowsy and have been shown to help you still fall asleep on your usual schedule at night. This is great just before (but not during) meetings at work if you can squeeze one in.

The Hangover Nap is about 30 minutes long, which overdoes the Power Nap. It's in the not-so-sweet spot: this nap tends to leave you loopy and wanting just to stay asleep. It takes a while to snap out of it. Basically, a half-hour nap isn't the best kind. 

The Brainiac Nap lasts about an hour and includes the deepest sleep. There may be some grogginess upon waking, but it's better than the Hangover Nap and our ability to recall facts, names and faces will sharpen up. It's a good refresher!

The California King sounds like a sofa but it's not: it a nap that lasts about 90 minutes and often encompasses a full cycle of sleep, even with an REM or dream stage. This nap improves creative thinking and motor memory, especially if you didn't get a good night's sleep before.

Studies show certain types of naps fuel the brain and recharge our batteries. Naps can improve productivity, decrease health risks and improve morale.

So doze off when you can! Just not while listening to the station. :)


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