Power nap

Short break from physical work

Power Nap

A power nap refers to a brief period of sleep designed to refresh and rejuvenate the individual without delving into deep or slow-wave sleep (SWS). The main objective is to gain the benefits of sleep in the shortest amount of time, often to improve alertness and performance.

Origin of the Term

The term "power nap" was coined by James Maas, a social psychologist from Cornell University. Maas emphasized the potential benefits of short naps in improving alertness, mood, and productivity.

Characteristics

The defining characteristic of a power nap is its short duration, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. The idea is to prevent the individual from entering the deeper stages of sleep, as waking up from deep sleep can lead to a phenomenon known as sleep inertia, where the individual feels groggy and disoriented.

Benefits

Short naps, including power naps, have been shown to:

• Increase alertness and concentration.
• Enhance mood.
• Boost cognitive performance.
• Reduce stress.

By preventing the onset of deep sleep, power naps allow individuals to wake up feeling refreshed and alert, without the grogginess that can accompany longer napping durations.

Implementation

For those looking to incorporate power naps into their routine, it's important to:

• Find a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
• Limit the nap duration to avoid deep sleep.
• Use tools like alarms to ensure the nap doesn't extend for too long.

See Also

• Sleep
• Sleep inertia
• Slow-wave sleep
• James Maas

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