Two Minutes Du Jour

Yesterday, I enjoyed a rare joy — an afternoon nap — and it reminded me how much I enjoy these restful breaks. In the morning, my husband and I ran a few errands, including dropping off a carload of donation items from the basement — we’re in a clear-the-clutter mood — followed by a quick run through Costco (for food, not more stuff!).

We came home and enjoyed grilled tuna melts, inspired by this recipe, with a tangy tarragon dressing on the front porch. Then, we thought about what to do next — traffic had been horrific earlier, so we decided against running more errands. We could continue with the basement project or tackle an infinite number of other home projects … or we could take a nap.

Good decision! It was lovely and refreshing. I might take another one today. Naps are a fantastic pick-me-up, and here are some things I discovered, including that I want to embrace napping more often.

20 Minutes at 2 O’clock is Ideal for a Nap

Napping is natural and beneficial. Historically, segmented sleep patterns included waking up at night and napping in the afternoon, suggesting that our ancestors embraced the idea of napping. Research supports the benefits of a short nap, showing it can boost alertness, improve memory, and reduce stress. Most of us feel a dip in energy around 2 p. m ., making this the perfect time for a nap.

The ideal nap duration is about 20 minutes in a dark, quiet, and comfortable place. This duration avoids grogginess and provides a burst of improved alertness. Longer naps, while beneficial for extended periods of wakefulness, can lead to sleep inertia—that groggy feeling upon waking.

Caffeine Before a Nap Works Wonders

Interestingly, combining a nap with caffeine (a “coffee nap”) can enhance alertness even more. Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect, so drinking a cup of coffee before a short nap can maximize the wakefulness benefits once you wake up.

The concept of a siesta is not new and is deeply rooted in cultures worldwide, particularly in Spain. Siestas, or afternoon naps, traditionally allow people to rest and escape the midday heat.

Incorporating a siesta into your routine can be a refreshing way to break up the day and enhance productivity.

Happy napping!

Links Du Jour:

The Scientific Guide to Napping – Vox

What is a Siesta? and Personalized Sleep Profile – Sleep Foundation