I read an article a while back about how it takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the stimulation of a caffeine beverage to kick in. I put this idea together with several sleep researchers’ observation that an ideal map is around 15 minutes long and came up with what I call “the perfect nap.”
I’m not a huge consumer of caffeine, usually just a couple of cups of tea a day, but every once in a while (usually when I have a pile of paperwork to plow through) I’ll go to the coffee shop across the street and get a double-shot mocha.
Several times now, I have come back with my mocha, done some paperwork while I drank it, and then zonked out for a 15-minute nap, thereby timing the end of my nap with the onset of my caffeine buzz. These have been among the most satisfying naps I’ve ever taken, and productivity has soared after those naps.
I have no idea how scientifically valid this “perfect nap” is (I’m interviewing a sleep researcher soon, and I’ll ask her about this). And granted, being a massage therapist, I probably have a better napping set-up than most office workers (and I promise not to rub this in), so I may not be the best case study.
Recently, I have been heartened to hear from my clients how many of them have access to a break room or other napping facility. So, if you’re an afternoon coffee drinker, and if you have access to a cozy napping spot, give this “perfect nap” a try and let me know how it works for you.
About the Author
Larry Swanson is a massage therapist in downtown Seattle, WA. His practices focuses on the unique needs of office workers and also includes injury treatment for sports and car-accident injuries as well as massage for wellness and athletic performance.