Sleep & stress20 min
A Twenty-Minute Afternoon Nap, Not Two Hours
A short nap after lunch, with an alarm, rather than a long one that can push bedtime late. A rest habit.
A short nap works best
A short afternoon nap of about twenty minutes can refresh you without leaving you groggy. A long nap, especially late in the day, can make it harder to fall asleep at night.
Nap after lunch, sit or lie in a quiet spot, set an alarm and get up when it rings. This is a rest habit and not a treatment for sleep problems.
Ingredients
- A quiet spot
- A phone alarm
- A light blanket
How to prepare
- Set the alarm for 20 minutes.
- Dim the room.
How to use
- Nap after lunch, before 3 pm.
- Wake with a glass of water.
Helpful habits
- Skip naps if night sleep is poor.
- Avoid napping after 4 pm.
Precautions
- Excess daytime sleepiness needs a doctor.
- Do not nap right after a heavy meal lying flat.
- A rest habit, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is a longer nap bad?
- It can push bedtime late.
Can children nap?
- Young children need longer naps; follow their routine.
What if I cannot sleep?
- Resting quietly still helps.
