The Power of Power Naps

Taking a Nap Too Long Can Decrease Focus and Increase Drowsiness

By: Gabi Drobot, Staff Writer

Napping is crucial to the average college student, but napping too long can make one even more tired than before.

While napping effectively can be beneficial, it is not a substitute for proper sleep at night. Taking a nap for too long can not only lead to additional grogginess throughout the day, but also make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.

“Whenever I nap during the day, I can never fall asleep at night even though I still feel tired,” said Emma Jones, a senior.

For a nap to be most effective, it is crucial to keep it under 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the body enters a deeper state of sleep, which can be much harder to jump back from when one awakes. The best time for a power nap is between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“I never napped because I found it so hard actually to fall asleep,” said Emma Ditzig, a junior. “After a few days of trying just a 20-minute nap, it actually became easier to sleep during that time period.”

It takes time to get used to, but when done regularly, the body can figure out how to sleep for 20 minutes only. Some cultures have made this a part of their lifestyle after lunch, such as the “siesta” period that is traditional in several countries including Spain and Italy.

“One thing that helped me take naps that helped me be more energized is making sure I get up as soon as the alarm goes off,” said Melanie Watts, a senior.

Continuing to practice and figuring out what helps one’s nap etiquette is ideal. Most importantly, it is imperative to remember the nap should be no longer than 20 minutes.

Additionally, it is incumbent to set a defined time during the day, and ensure the nap ends as soon as the alarm goes off. Sometimes college students need that nap. Whether it is because focusing is difficult when tired or because of a lack of sleep at night.

Keep taking your naps, but just make sure you’re making them effective for maximum energy!