As college students, I think we can all agree that naps are a precious, precious thing. Without them, it's quite possible that we wouldn't survive the week, or maybe even the day. However, naps aren't always a simple task. In fact, they're more of an art. At this point in my life, I consider myself a napping expert, so here are a few helpful tips to accomplishing the perfect nap:
1. Use your nap as motivation to get things done.
Naps feel so much more rewarding when you've just accomplished something. Set rules for yourself. Some examples: I'll take a nap after I finish two pages of my paper. I'll take a nap after I go to the gym. I'll take a nap after I fill out this application. Because let's be honest, if you tell yourself you'll do something after you take a nap, there's about a two percent change it'll actually happen.
2. If you know you're about to nap, warn your roommate(s).
There's nothing worse than being deep into a nice, relaxing nap when your roommate flings open your door and comes stomping in. If you send your roomie a little text before you pass out, he or she will know to enter quietly so they don't disturb you.
3. If you're in need of a super quick power nap, 20 minutes is the way to go.
Studies have shown that napping for about 20 minutes is the perfect amount of time to re-energize yourself. This can give you a quick boost of alertness if you're in a time crunch.
4. Get comfortable.
What's the point of sleeping in an outfit that takes away from the napping experience? Change out of those jeans and throw on some sweat pants. Or, if your typical pajama attire is your birthday suit, then so be it. Napping is all about comfort.
5. Napping between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. is ideal.
At this point in the day, you've most likely just eaten lunch, finished up your classes and possibly worked out (if you're feeling really motivated). This is usually when a lot of people start to hit a wall, but it's early enough in the afternoon that you'll still be able to fall asleep at night. Before you tackle the rest of your plans for the day, you definitely deserve a little nap!
6. Set an alarm.
If I didn't set an alarm when I was napping, odds are I'd never be awake. Unless you're completely free the rest of the day, you're most likely going to need something to get you out of bed. Even if you don't have anything scheduled, you don't want to nap until 8 p.m. and then not be able to fall asleep later. Give your nap a time limit.
7. There's nothing wrong with a three-hour nap in the middle of the day.
I wouldn't suggest doing this super often, but sometimes you just need to treat yo' self to an overly long nap. Life is exhausting, and as long as you have the time for it, I see nothing wrong with passing out for a few hours.
8. Don't try to replace a good night's sleep with a nap.
However awesome they may be, naps can't compensate for a consistent lack of sleep at night. Naps may be perfect for a little pick-me-up, but using them as your main source of sleep is unhealthy.
9. Group naps are truly a bonding experience.
Round up some friends and have a nap sleepover. This works really well if your roommate also loves to nap.
10. Don't feel guilty.
A lot of times, I feel like I'm wasting my day when I take a nap. But sometimes us college students could use a little rejuvenation, and napping is the perfect way to get it. You deserve it, so hit the pillow and catch some Zs!
