You know the feeling.
Whether it’s been a busy day or a sleepless night, everyone feels like dozing off in the afternoon every now and then.
It’s not surprising considering 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep.
If done right, a power nap can be perfect to perk you up and keep you going until bedtime.
Not getting enough sleep can make it hard for you to lose weight, as you can feel hungrier than usual and reach for unhealthier snacks.
Power naps can help you get all the rest you need, so you can be in the best place to lose weight.
However, sleep is just one part of your weight loss journey.
If you find it hard to keep up your motivation, Miboko is the next stop for you.
With Miboko, you can see how your body reacts to the food you eat, so you can access a personalized meal plan 100% tailored to you.
And the best part?
There’s no cutting out entire food groups, or endless training sessions at the gym, just small changes to help you build a sustainable healthy life.
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What is a power nap?
Power naps are short periods of sleep that most people take in the afternoon.
Remember naps in kindergarten? Well, it’s exactly the same concept.
Adults may not need as much sleep as children, but sometimes we need to recharge and get some extra rest in the daytime.
A power nap can be the perfect thing to keep you going, especially if you’ve had a bad night’s sleep.
The best power naps last less than 30 minutes, and they help you feel refreshed and well-rested.
How to power nap?
Power napping involves just a few simple things.
Timing and duration are key factors to get power napping right.
To power nap like a pro, you need to:
- Decide what time your nap will be – early afternoon is best.
- Make sure you’re in a quiet and comfortable place.
- Set an alarm anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes.
- Close your eyes and get to it!
Pick a good time to nap
When you choose to take a nap can make all the difference, especially for weight loss and sleeping patterns, and experts agree the best time for napping is the early afternoon.
Right after eating lunch, you may feel a dip in your energy levels along with that familiar post-meal sleepiness.
A great way to fight this feeling is by taking a quick power nap, and experts agree that right after lunch is the best time to do it (and no later than 2 PM).
If you end up sleeping later in the afternoon, you run the risk of disrupting your sleeping pattern.
This can be unhelpful if you’re trying to lose weight because lack of sleep can interfere with your weight loss progress.
Find a quiet, comfortable place to nap
The last thing you want when you’re trying to take a nap is distractions.
It can be frustrating trying to get your head down when you can hear the world carrying on around you.
That’s why it’s so important that you have a quiet, stress free place to nap.
Make sure:
- You won’t be disturbed – Let people know you’re trying to sleep and put your phone on silent or airplane mode.
- Your nap spot is quiet and dark – This helps you fall asleep easily. Use an eye mask and ear plugs for best results.
- You stay comfy – When you feel comfortable, the chances of you falling asleep faster and having a great power nap are higher.
How long should I nap for?
When it comes to napping, length matters.
There’s definitely a sweet spot to hit for your afternoon power nap.
Sleeping for more than 30 minutes in the daytime can make you feel dazed, even more tired, or less likely to get to sleep at night time.
Experts agree that 10-30 minutes of sleep is the best length for the perfect afternoon recharge.
When you keep your power naps short, you keep your sleeping schedule on track, making you more likely to hit your health goals.
Do power naps work?
As long as you stick to the basic rules around when and how long to nap for, power naps offer some fantastic benefits.
A good power nap can leave you feeling more energized, and its effects can last for over 2.5 hours.
Experts agree that even a 10-minute nap can help you:
- Feel less tired.
- Be more alert.
- Improve your memory and reactions.
- Boost your mood.
Some scientists also claim that naps can have a stress-busting effect on your body and even boost your immune system.
Are power naps good for you?
Taking naps can certainly help with catching up on lost sleep – as long as you don’t overdo them.
Tiredness can affect how well you stick to a diet, and a lack of sleep can make it harder for you to lose weight because:
- Your appetite gets bigger.
- You’re more likely to reach for calorie-dense snacks.
- You have more time to eat.
So yes, power naps can help you lose weight.
Getting enough sleep alone won’t make you lose weight.
Motivation, diet, and your lifestyle play a huge part in your weight loss process.
If you struggle to stay motivated, Miboko is your next step.
Miboko tracks the way your body reacts to food and gives you personalized advice on how to manage your diet, build healthy habits, and smash your weight loss goals.
Are you ready to get in the best shape of your life?
