Ready for a nap? A poor night’s rest can result in irritability, “brain fog”, and general existential angst that follows you around all day. And there’s a good chance that you are one in three of the adults who are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.
That’s right, more than a third of American adults aren’t getting the minimum 7 hours of shut-eye, according to 2016 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC).
Tips for the perfect nap
- Listen to your body. Most adults naturally experience a low energy point between 1:00-3:00 pm. Instead of fighting your circadian rhythm, let it tell you when you need a nap.
- Find a quiet place. If you are in an office, book a conference room or find a room where you can close the door and turn off the lights.
- Turn off notifications. If you are using your phone for a timer or for guided meditation, make sure to turn off of those pesky e-mail and calendar notifications.
- Use a meditation app. If you have trouble sleeping, guided meditation may help you fall asleep faster. Headspace and Calm are popular apps for meditation sleep exercises.
- Plan a mental schedule. Routine can help with managing energy levels during the day. Do intense analytical work in the morning so that you are in a good mental place for a nap in the afternoon.
Kathryn Nelson 