What is a power nap?

A power nap is any short nap, usually from three or four minutes in length to about 25-30 minutes. The chief characteristic of any power nap is that the napper awakens feeling alert and more energized than prior to taking the nap.

What is the best length of time to nap?

For its combination of rest benefit and alertness, most sleep experts suggest 10-30 minutes, but not more.

Why is a short nap better than a longer nap?

A short nap is better for several reasons: a) you will feel alert and rested immediately upon waking, b) you will be more productive, and c) the nap should not interfere with your regular nighttime sleep schedule.

How many people are sleep deprived?

Some researchers estimate that as many as 60% of adult Americans are sleep deprived.

What's the best amount of sleep to get?

It's best to consult your doctor for specifics, however the average adult usually needs 6-8 hours of sleep per night.

Why do I feel groggy upon waking from my nap?

If you feel groggy upon waking from a short power nap, there is a high likelihood that you may have serious sleep deprivation. Grogginess is more common upon waking from a longer nap, and this is due to the fact that longer naps enable the brain to settle into deeper levels of sleep, from which regaining normal consciousness takes a bit longer.

Where is a good place to nap?

A good place for a nap is anywhere you will be safe and not disturbed. Some people nap at their desk, others in their car in the company parking lot; some find unused office space.

Where can I find out more about sleep issues?

A good place for learning more about sleep issues is the National Sleep Foundation http://www.nsf.org.

Who is known for power napping?

Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison were all well-known power nappers.

What if I'm drowsy while driving?

It's best to get off the road and into a safe place as soon as you notice that you are drowsy. Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages will not totally offset most drowsiness, so it's best to get some sleep. Often, a nap will provide a tremendous amount of energy and alertness; some have reported the equivalent of 2-4 hours of sleep after only a 15-25 minute nap.

How do I sleep when I'm so stressed out?

Recognizing the connection between stress and sleep is actually a good thing to be aware of. Research has demonstrated that stress is one of the leading factors contributing to poor sleep. So if you can reduce your stress level, even a little, you will have an easier time sleeping. Again, naps work very well in these instances where stress is involved. Since one of the chief benefits of a short nap is an overall feeling of greater well-being, naps generally lead to a feeling of being less stressed. On a practical basis, try to make sure your bedroom is cooler than the rest of your home, and make sure the room is as dark as possible.

I've never been able to nap. Will this program help me?

This program is designed to help people just like you. It's out of the ordinary to take a nap during the day, but like anything, you can learn how. The program makes it easy, you are meant to listen only until you fall asleep, and the more you do it the easier you will find it to fall asleep for a short nap. And the built-in chime will awaken you so you don't sleep for too long.

Is it OK to have a cocktail to relax before sleep?

Doctors specifically recommend against consuming alcohol in the hours immediately before going to sleep. Among other things, alcohol has been shown to interfere with the brain's ability to enter into REM type sleep (rapid eye movement).