The experts say a half hour nap is the best. How the heck do you get to be an expert in naps? I say practice makes perfect and I’ve been practicing a lot lately. Here are my best tips.
Duration
For years we’ve all read that the 30 minute nap is best. My question is, best for whom? I personally prefer a 2 hour nap but time is sometimes limited. Whatever makes you feel refreshed is best, be it 5, 30 or 120 minutes. The deciding factor is how long you can nap without being rudely woken up. If you can only get away with 30 minutes, that’s fine as long as you woke up on your own and not by the boss screaming at you.
Quality Over Quantity
A quality nap is priceless. Being woken up by a solicitor at your door totally ruins it. Being woken up by your boss at your desk is not so good either. Disabling your doorbell and phone will help with the solicitors, but locking your office door is not always an option. Napping at your desk with your eyes open, head propped up in your hand and pointing toward your computer screen puts you at the master level.
Catnaps
This used to pertain to short duration naps. I think it means you should learn from a master: the cat. Cats can sleep anywhere, anytime and you should strive to emulate the masters. They don’t let anything bother them and can roll with the punches. If you can block out external noises you will have more success. Of course, wearing those giant noise-cancelling earphones is a bit obvious at work, but, with effort and determination, you can train yourself.
Comfort is Paramount
If you can sleep with your elbow on the desk, and your hand propping your head up, you’re halfway there. Lying down is always the best, but not always possible. If you snooze with your head back, mouth open and snores filling the air, your style needs work. If you lean forward and drop your head to your chest, you not only will get busted by the boss, you’ll get a crick in your neck. If you can’t lay down with the cat, at least find a comfortable position, preferably facing your computer screen if at work.
Timing is Really Everything
The best naps are right after eating. Some folks say you should take a long walk or some light exercise after lunch. I say, why ruin a good time for a nap? Personally, I could nap after breakfast, lunch or dinner and sometimes do all three. Many cultures around the world practice the siesta or afternoon nap, and I’m sure we would like to be as cultured and worldly as possible, so why not emulate these tried and true practices? Now if you can just convince the boss of this…
