That 3pm slump is part of the human experience. The need to sleep corresponds to your circadian rhythm and it’s normal to feel tired about six to eight hours after you wake up. What we’re happy to tell you is that in most cases, that afternoon nap is Mother Nature Approved!
What is the circadian rhythm?
Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural physical, mental and behavioural changes over 24 hours which help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. During the day, light exposure helps your body stay alert. At night-time, your body starts to produce the sleep hormone, melatonin, which helps you sleep.
When your circadian rhythm reaches a low point of alertness in the afternoon, an afternoon nap could help restore alertness and mental effectiveness.
Our top tips for a good afternoon nap
- Plan the timing of your nap
If you plan your nap for the time when your body is naturally sleepy, you’ll be able to fall asleep quicker. Many studies say siestas between 1pm and 4pm are most effective.
- Not too long, not too short
The ideal length for an afternoon nap is between 20 and 30 minutes. In fact, a NASA study of long-haul pilots found that the optimal length for a sneaky day-time snooze is 25.8 minutes. Don’t sleep too long or too late in the day.
- Set an alarm
Decide on how long you want to nap for, and set your alarm to wake up, giving yourself an extra five minutes for falling asleep. Setting an alarm will help you relax knowing that you won’t oversleep.
- Find your sweet spot
Prepare your environment for ultimate relaxation. Ideally your napping environment should be dark, quiet and cool. This is where Sealy should be top of mind. If your mattress is old and uncomfortable, you will spend precious time tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep. If you’re as serious about sleep comfort as we are, browse the Sealy range on our website. You’ll be excited to find out about some of our latest advances in sleep technology! Click here to find your next mattress.
- Listen to your body
Unfortunately, afternoon napping is not for everyone. If you are having difficulty sleeping at night, you might want to skip the afternoon nap.