Does This Nap Hack Really Work?

By Stepy Kamei

There's something wonderfully restorative and refreshing about a good nap, isn't there? A good nap can be just the right way to give the mind and body a little reset, boost up your energy levels, and refill your sense of concentration and focus in order to get through the rest of the day ahead. However, it can't be denied that sometimes we wake up from a nap feeling even more groggy and tired than before. Maybe the nap went on too long, or it wasn't long enough. This is why it can be helpful to know about some simple nap hacks which may help you get the most out of your occasional nap time. Keep on reading to learn more about a surprising hack you may want to consider, as well as other helpful advice on how to get the most out of a midday snooze.

Caffeine Napping: A Good Idea?

What exactly is caffeine napping? Well, you probably already know that caffeine can effectively improve your energy levels, just like a nap can. Therefore, it seems like it might make sense that combining the two would give a person the ultimate boost in energy levels. Essentially, the idea of a caffeine nap involves drinking a cup of coffee right before taking a short 15-minute nap.

Interestingly, in studies researching the effects of a caffeine nap, participants who drank a cup of coffee before napping were shown to be more concentrated and focused in their tasks upon waking up from the nap when compared to their counterparts who did not drink coffee before napping.

This could be due to the fact that, while you're taking a short nap, the effects of the coffee haven't hit your body yet. Essentially, you wake up from the nap refreshed, right as the caffeine kicks in -- so you get a "double dose" of energy, so to speak!

Should You Try It?

If you regularly drink coffee anyway without experiencing negative side effects, it might be worth it to give this nap hack a shot to see if it works for you. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

If you don't normally drink coffee, you might want to ease into it, making sure that the caffeine doesn't increase your anxiety levels. Drinking a cup of black tea, rather than coffee, may produce a similar effect without adding to any anxiety you may be experiencing.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.