What is a power nap, and do we really need it?


The power nap is often considered to be a fascinating aspect due to the rules that many people impose on it. For example, a power nap is something that takes place during the day, generally between the hours of one o’clock and four o’clock in the afternoon. It’s also only classified as a power nap if the amount of time you spend resting is between ten and thirty minutes. The reasoning behind it is if the nap happens to be longer than thirty minutes, you will likely wake up groggy.

There’s also the matter of sleeping later in the afternoon, which can end up messing with your ability to sleep at night. While it is odd that there are so many rules behind a power nap, is it something that you really need? The following might surprise you!

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The subtle impact of cognitive improvement

When it comes to jobs, few are as stressful as being a nurse. You have likely heard horror stories of nurses being forced to stay for far longer than their job entails, being unable to get sufficient rest when they get home as they have to return to the hospital on time. That said, it’s almost ridiculous how some nurses are able to stick to the hectic schedule while remaining relatively alert – however, many are able to accomplish such a task thanks to the power nap.

When your decisions could mean the difference between life and death, a small improvement toward cognitive performance can often make all the difference. Nurses that take the time to have a power nap are far less likely to make mistakes.

Following the example of toddlers

There’s a very good reason why toddlers often enjoy taking naps in the middle of the day, which is essentially the foundation of the power nap. It’s a shame that as they grow older, they’re far less likely to retain their sleeping habits due to a busy lifestyle – alongside perhaps, the somewhat negative stigma of taking a nap during the day. That said, kids are often bundles of energy. When it comes to adulthood, energy becomes a bit more scarce, which is why power naps are recommended.

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Exchanging fifteen minutes for a boost of energy and alertness

Even if you might not be too keen on the idea of taking a power nap, there’s no denying how much you get in exchange for just fifteen minutes of downtime. While it might seem like a hassle to take a nap during the day, you get a boost of alertness and energy, which can work wonders during a stressful day. While naps help children handle abstract learning and the challenges of growing up, it can help decrease stress levels and keep you going for longer.

It’s true that napping during the day is not necessarily one of the most popular things to do. However, it has slowly been growing in popularity, thanks to the many benefits that come with power naps. It’s not just something to help kids grow or to help nurses handle the rigors of their job – it can also help you remain more alert and feel less sluggish throughout the day. Why not give it a try?

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