Now that classes have started, late night study sessions are just around the corner, meaning drinking tons of energy drinks and cups of coffee just to stay awake in class. Mastering the art of napping is also a crucial skill to survive this semester without going crazy. Here are a few tips to get the best naps of your life.
If you’re looking to get back to work right away, take a nap for about 10 to 20 minutes long. If you plan on working very late into the night, try to grab a 26 minute nap, also known as the “NASA nap.” Scientist have proven that pilots who take the “NASA nap” increased their performance by 34% and their alertness by 54%. Have a huge project to finish that night or a big exam in the morning? Take the full sleep cycle nap, which is around 90 minutes long. Not only does it help with creativity, but with memory and alertness as well.
If you don’t have enough time to grab a full sleep cycle work of napping, drink some coffee right before you lay down. The caffeine won’t effect your body for about 20 minutes, just enough time to catch some zzs. Typically in the afternoon the body will naturally start to feel a bit tired, so try to catch a nap around 1PM to 5PM for the best sleep. If you go an entire school week being sleep deprived, three alcoholic drinks will affect you the same way six drinks would if you were fully rested. So get some sleep and stay sharp!