During the afternoon, we tend to have an energy slump, specifically between 1 and 3pm. A power nap can be the best thing to combat this slump and keep us alert and energised throughout the rest of the day.
Don’t be put off by the phrase ‘napping’ – napping as you know it is part of the old‐school approach to sleep. We don’t call them naps in sport – we call them Controlled Recovery Periods. We don’t nod off indiscriminately. We take ownership of these opportunities during the day and extract the maximum benefits - Nick Littlehales, Author & Elite Sports Coach
Why is a power nap beneficial?
Power napping might sound like a dream idea, but there's actually some science behind it which backs up why it's actually really beneficial.
If you have been suffering from a lack of sleep due to late nights or stress, power napping can help increase your motor skills, making you more alert at work and at home. In fact, it can even improve performance and stamina. According to this works, a recent investigation into the effects of a lunchtime nap on a sprint performance following partial sleep deprivation discovered that after a 30 minute power nap, 20 metre sprint performance improved, alongside awareness.
According to the European Society of Cardiology, naps help to also reduce stress. Their study found that daily naps help to reduce blood pressue and the hormone cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone. By keeping your stress levels at a low rate, you can improve your emotional well-being and even benefit from better sleep at night.
By power napping, it's a chance to recharge your batteries and give your body and mind the much needed rest they need to stay alert and healthy.
How to power nap in 3 easy steps
- Find somewhere comfortable to power nap. Whether that's in a wellbeing room in your place of work or at home on the sofa, choose a location that feels comfortable to you.
- Turn off your phone and other devices. Often, we can be distracted by emails, texts and to do lists, but this is the time to switch off. Set an alarm for 30 minutes time and keep it away from your eyes.
- Use the this works Nap Spray. This has been formulated with a super relaxing scent blend, which works faster than the brand's regular Pillow Spray to help you fall asleep quicker and get the most out of your power nap.
