Have you heard of a “coffee nap” or “nappuccino”? It’s a trend in napping where one drinks a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage and then immediately take a nap. The caffeine doesn’t kick in for about 30 minutes, allowing the perfect amount of time for a brief nap before it does. Proponents enjoy both the restorative effects of a powernap AND an alertness boost from the caffeine upon waking.
Even if the caffeine is not right for you, napping could be. Here are some points to consider to determine if napping is right for you and how to go about it:
- Sleep quality —if you have positive experiences with napping then it might work for you to take a nap, especially if you’re short on sleep. However, if you have bouts of insomnia, avoiding naps and caffeine may help you sleep better at night.
- Timing —take care that you don’t nap too late in the day, as that could interfere with your ability to fall asleep at bedtime.
- Suitable space —the most restful midday naps require a suitable place, which may include any of the following: a cool and quiet room, a comfortable resting place, access to soothing music.
- Keep it short —how long you sleep makes a difference in how you feel when you wake up. Napping for over 30 minutes brings you into a deep sleep state, which can leave you feeling groggy upon waking. Set an alarm to prevent oversleeping.
- Other options – some people find meditation and/or relaxation techniques to be a restful alternative to actually sleeping during the day.
Getting enough sleep is important for your overall health. 7 to 8 hours of regular nighttime sleep is ideal, and if you get less than that, a nap is a good way to fill in the gap. These are some of the benefits of getting adequate sleep:
- Improved learning and memory
- Improved mood
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved athletic performance (especially with endurance sports)
- Steady blood sugar
- Stronger immune system
- Fewer food cravings
- Relief from stress
It’s worth noting that sleep habits and requirements are highly personal. We all have different needs when it comes to how much sleep is enough, and whether a nap during the day is a good thing. It’s generally understood that too much sleep on a regular basis is not ideal. Except in extenuating circumstances more than 9 hours each night is considered too much. The bottom line is you need to find out what works for you and support your wellbeing by getting adequate sleep.
Here’s a bit more reading on the subject if you are inspired to learn more:
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-napping
- https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/benefits-sleep-more
- https://www.health.com/nutrition/coffee-nap
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At Satori Integrative Medicine Clinic, we encourage our patients to incorporate lifestyle practices into daily life as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for: major depression, the depressed phase of bipolar disorder (bipolar depression), postpartum depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), and addiction. Our services include integrative medicine, ketamine and lidocaine infusions, IV supplements, and medical acupuncture. If you or someone you know suffers from any of these conditions and this approach to health and wellness resonates with you, please contact us for more information.
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