Snooze to get those creative juices flowing with this 4-step power nap guide

We millennials have way too many things to do and not enough time to do them. The result? Fatigue, low creative quotient, stress, and of course, feeling sleepy all the time.   

Unfortunately, even countless cups of coffee, washing your face every hour, and frequent cigarette breaks can’t help you overcome the exhaustion and summon your creative forces. 

But you know what can? A power nap! In the world of instant gratification, power naps are the only way to instantly recharge.

Don’t believe us? 

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Well, science says it can boost your creativity
Researchers from the Sorbonne University in Paris found that a brief nap is effective in relieving stress and strengthening the immune system function in people who had slept for only two hours the night before.

In fact, studies also claim that power napping can boost your creativity and increase intellectual capacity by 20%. 

In fact, power nap is your stress’ nemesis
Bill Anthony, an American psychologist and director of the Harvard University Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, has been studying the benefits of napping as a form of stress relief for 20 years. 

He says that taking short naps can significantly reduce cortisol, aka the stress hormone, in the body. In his review he also states that power naps improve memory and help our brain assimilate new information better. 

But how long is long enough for a power nap?
Many experts suggest that you should nap for 15 to 30 minutes. Sleeping longer than this can drag you into deeper stage of sleep, from which it’s more difficult to be awake.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s understand how you can power nap effectively in four steps:  

1. Don’t snooze in a dark place
Low-light areas are great for when you have hours to sleep. But since we’re following the 20-minutes-on-an-average rule, find a place which is sufficiently lit. You can take a power nap at your desk, in the metro, on your couch… just about anywhere really.

2. Set an alarm

An alarm will ensure that you don’t go into deep sleep, awaking from which might be an issue. Anything longer than half an hour can make you groggy and give you a headache.

3. Get yourself a neck rest to avoid muscle pain
Power naps are for recharging yourself and not for muscle spasms. So, invest in a neck pillow and get comfortable.

4. Have a cup of green tea first
Sipping on green tea before dozing off will spare you from the headaches likely to come after and keep you alert. 

Happy napping!