I’ve always been an advocate of the “power nap.” Through trial-and-error, I’ve determined that 20 minutes is enough to get me refreshed without making me feel worse than before.
It seems the results of my selfless and rigorous experimentation have been borne out by actual scientific research. Men’s Journal reports that Dr. Sara Mednick (“a scientist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies who is at the forefront of napping research” [emphasis mine]) confirms the optimal timing of the power nap is 20 minutes.
Mednick’s most recent research also shows that power naps can lift productivity and mood, lower stress, and improve memory and learning. In fact, Mednick has found through MRIs of nappers that brain activity stays high throughout the day with a nap; without one, it declines as the day wears on.When I nap, it’s usually on the weekends. Even though I have a comfy sofa in my office, I’ve never dared fall asleep at work. Given that a brief siesta might … nay, has been proved to increase productivity, I may just have to give it a try.
Yawwwwwwwwn…
The title of this post comes from Merlin Mann’s wonderful site, 5ives, specifically his post on “Five things I’d like to see engraved on little rubber bracelets”
