#naptime #healthyliving #productivity #powerofnap #middaynaps
Are midday naps really that effective?
I have just been to Spain and realized that many locals are actually napping in the early afternoon. Coming from Asian origins, this seemed pretty odd. But is this useful or is it because of tiredness?
The Problem:
Feeling sluggish and tired in the middle of the day is a common issue faced by many individuals. This can result in decreased productivity, lack of focus, and overall feelings of drowsiness. Many people turn to coffee or energy drinks to combat this afternoon slump, but are midday naps a better solution?
The Solution:
Studies have shown that taking a short nap in the afternoon can have numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some practical solutions to make midday naps more effective:
- Schedule your nap: Aim to nap for 20-30 minutes to avoid falling into a deep sleep and feeling groggy upon waking up.
- Find a quiet space: Create a peaceful environment free from distractions to ensure a restful nap.
- Use an eye mask and earplugs: Block out any light and noise that may disturb your nap to maximize its effectiveness.
By incorporating midday naps into your daily routine, you can improve your energy levels, focus, and overall well-being. Embrace the power of a quick snooze to boost productivity and combat the afternoon slump!
Have you tried taking midday naps? Share your experience in the comments below!
Remember, a well-timed nap can work wonders for your mind and body. So go ahead, indulge in some midday rest and reap the benefits of a refreshed and rejuvenated self! 💤😌
I wish it was normal here. That 2-3ish time hits me like a truck
Siesta mode: because adulting deserves a pause button.
They most certainly are. I wish we had that mandated in America.
It depends on the person really! I don’t take naps because they make me feel worse.
It just makes sense to nap during the hottest time of the day. Also they like to stay up quite late, even the children. You gotta catch up on that sleep somehow.
There are several circadian patterns you can follow. Sleep once for 8h, sleep twice for 4h, sleep for 6h and then take a 2h nap, etc. People’s bodies may be naturally suited to one so if they switch to it, they feel more refreshed, or their bodies have been following a pattern since childhood and are really used to it.
It’s really effective and it became a thing due to the high heat during summer. Most countries that have high heat during summer, around 13:00 to 18:00 (where the sun sets and it’s cooling down) people get to sleep, because nobody would like to work/do chores or anything when the sun is blasting you at 40c+ degrees (104f+)
Which results in those said countries, to be going out for a drink even at 11pm.
Imagine it this way, During night time 00:00 to 6am, people sleep, during the hottest part of the day 13:00 to 18:00, people sleep.
In Aus, working contracts in IT projects. Always long days, usually some night time stuff during the week. Always online with Teams/email.
WFH if I can cram 30 mins of quiet time after lunch just lying down (nap, doze, meditate-ish) with my eyes closed then I’m good to go till after midnight.
I find it like quick charging the phone, or if Coke was low GI.
Also common where I am in Vietnam.
It’s great when it’s really hot. In Spain their bigger meal is lunch, and a snooze after really hits well. Then they go and have dinner at 10pm, which to me is awesome
I feel like a good 15 minute nap is very effective when I was working remote. I took a 15 to 20 minute nap and felt like I can jump right back into work no problems.
For me not. If I take a nap at midday, I’m probably waking up at night, when it’s time to sleep again, meaning I’ll wake up from that nap the next day 😀
Depends on the person imo. If I do a midday nap my whole vibe is ruined and I’m lethargic because I can’t feel refreshed off of that
They can be, but I also found that going to bed an hour earlier helps with the afternoon crash. Keep mind the Spanish often eat dinner between 9 and 11 PM, so they stay up later than many people do.
I’m from Scotland, never took naps unless I was really tired. But, I lived in Argentina for 10 years, and they do like a wee siesta. Honestly, I kinda miss them now that I’m back in the uk.
I take 90 minute naps around noon every other day and they’re extremely effective. Caveat is that it can’t be 5 minutes over or under 90 minutes without risking waking up feeling groggy.
Spain has it all figured out imo.
Nap midday. Work a bit. Have dinner at 10 or 11pm.
Which part of Asia are you from?
In hot parts of South Asia mid day naps are very common.
Never understood this. How do they nap with such a highly caffeinated culture?
Asia country here: Student, office workers will take nap around for 20-45 mins in after eating lunch. Lunch break is usually from 12pm to 1pm.
It’s mostly cause it’s stupidly hot. Before jobs were mostly office based and happening in air conditioned rooms, there was little point in doing strenuous physically demanding tasks during the hottest time of day.
I’m from India and siestas are very common here.
I wish countries in the middle east do this actually … the temperatures there can reach 50c!
Depends on the day. If it’s a midday nap after a horrendous morning, it will only add fuel to the fire. A nice 45 min eyes closed drift on a normal day isn’t bad.
As a pregnant woman, naps are life changing.
On occasion, I really overdo it when I run errands on Saturday mornings. An afternoon nap is very helpful for me to recharge. I don’t fall asleep easily, though, so I only do it when I’m already tired.
Yes
I’ve found that 20-30 minute naps are perfect. I don’t actually fall asleep, but fall into a sort of deep rest that after about 20 minutes leaves me feeling invigorated.
I work very odd hours (in the fitness industry) and naps are so essential on days I’m up at 4am. It does really help if you keep them effective. Either 20mins or 90mins, 2 hours works for me.
They can be extremely helpful if you pair them with coffee. If you drink some coffee prior to the nap you will end up feeling very energized after without a crash. This is because coffee gives you a feeling of energy even if you dont have any but if you take a nap you will have both the feeling of energy and actually have energy
We did that when I worked in China. They would turn off the lights and we would nap after lunch.
I can’t nap less than 2 hours, and 3 is usually my average nap time.
Depends when your day starts. I get up around 3-4 so a short nap midday is a nice recharge.
Yes
Oh hell yeah
Short answer: Yes.
Especially in warmer, hotter climates than my Pacific Northwest, US climate BUT I find a 15-20 minute midday nap does wonders for me no matter where I am.
This would be trial and error as there are some people that might get recharged while others might have that backfiring (work negatively) and end up not sleeping right at night [not getting enough sleep] then be even worse the next day that if they didn’t nap in the first place.