Napping that works
Research shows that napping increases productivity. Now that’s some research I could get behind. So much so that I found 3 great blogs that support the napping scientists. Here’s what they had to say.
How naps increase productivity
WorkAwesome’s blog, How Naps Can Increase Your Productivity, by Richel Newborg looks at renewing our self with naps which in turn renews our productivity. Newborg reports on a study finding ‘sleeping too little, which is defined as less than six hours each night, was one of the best predictors of on-the-job burn-out.’ Humans aren’t designed to work for 8 hours a day. We’re designed to work hard for shorter periods of time, rest, repeat.
Read more at WorkAwesome.
How long to nap
Lifehacker’ blog, How Long To Nap For The Biggest Brain Benefit, (with over 4,000,000 views) by Melanie Pinola looks at the length of the nap and the benefits depending on your nap goal. These time allocation benefits, ranging from 10 to 90 minutes, are backed-by-science. One tid bit I wasn’t aware of was the suggestion to ‘sit slightly upright during your nap, because it will help you avoid a deep sleep’.
Ream more at Lifehacker.
Best time to nap
Forbes’ blog, Why You Should Take A Ten Minute Nap Everyday, by David DiSalvo, looks at a study that examined the 5, 10, 20, and 30 minute nap. Results show that the 10 minute nap is most effective at increasing productivity. Looks like my occasional 2-hour nap is out the window! One more piece of nap wisdom from DiSalvo, the ‘best times to nap are mid to late morning or early afternoon’.
Read more at Forbes.
