Did you know that Friday, March 15 is National Napping Day this year? Talk about the perfect excuse for partaking in one of my favorite pastimes! 😴
National Nap Day (legit!) was created by a group of sleep enthusiasts who wanted to raise awareness about the importance of napping and its many benefits. A quick nap can help improve your mood, boost your cognitive function, and even enhance your memory and learning abilities. Makes you feel better already, doesn’t it?
While naptime is a necessary part of most children’s daily routine, according to the National Sleep Foundation, around 50% of adults regularly take naps, too. And their preferred nap spot? Most people prefer napping in bed, followed closely by the couch and the office. (Shh! Don’t tell your boss.😉)
Whether you’re catching some ZZZs in the comfort of your own bed or sneaking in a quick siesta at the office, try these tips for getting in a great nap.
Keys to catching some shut-eye
1. Location, location location
A bed may be the obvious choice for a quick snooze, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box – or should I say, outside the bedroom? Whether it’s a cozy spot on the couch, a hammock in the backyard, the front (or back) seat of your car, or even a quiet corner at work, finding the perfect nap spot is key to getting the most out of your midday siesta.
2. Timing is everything
The ideal nap length varies from person to person, but generally speaking, sleep experts say you should aim for around 20-30 minutes to avoid that groggy feeling known as sleep inertia. This sweet spot allows you to reap the benefits of a nap without falling into a deep slumber and waking up feeling like you’ve time-traveled to the next century.
3. Pre-snooze prep
Before shutting your eyes, take a few moments to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Dim the lights, close the curtains, put on some soothing music or white noise, and maybe even indulge in a pre-nap snack (just make sure it’s not too heavy – we’re aiming for relaxation, not a food coma). And don’t forget to set an alarm! Trust me, nothing ruins a nap quite like oversleeping and waking up in a panic, thinking you’ve missed an important meeting.
4. Get comfy
Now that you’re all prepped and ready to go, it’s time to get comfy. Grab a sleep mask, your favorite pillow, snuggle up under a soft blanket and get yourself into a position that feels just right. Whether you prefer to sleep on your back, side, or curled up in the fetal position like a cozy little burrito, the key is to find what works best for you.
5. Practice makes perfect
Like any skill worth mastering, the art of napping takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t as blissful as you’d hoped. Experiment with different nap lengths, locations and pre-nap rituals until you find what works best for you. Before you know it, you’ll be napping like a pro and wondering how you ever survived without your daily dose of shut-eye.
One more bonus tip: stay consistent! Once you’ve mastered the art of napping, try to incorporate it into your daily routine. Whether it’s a quick power nap after lunch or a longer siesta on the weekends, staying consistent with your napping habits can help improve your alertness during the day and overall sleep quality at night.
ZZZap that zombie feeling
If you’re tired of feeling like a zombie during the day and nodding off at your desk more often than you’d like to admit, why not close your eyes and catch some ZZZs? With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to feeling more refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think it’s time for some shut-eye. Happy National Nap Day, everyone!