Need a Nap? Sleep Like a Baby

By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 3, 2009 2:56 AM CST
Need a Nap? Sleep Like a Baby
White noise can help nappers nod off more quickly than silence.   (Flickr)

Napping is a good idea, but afternoon slumber eludes many of us. Mental Floss offers some pointers for adults who have trouble snoozing while the sun shines.

  • Don't fight it: Humans are hardwired to hit the sack twice a day.
  • The optimal nap length is 20 or 90 minutes.

  • Sleep for longer than 45 minutes but less than 90 minutes and you're guaranteed to wake up groggy.
  • Lie down in the dark, and don't get too hot.
  • Consider a white-noise machine or its low-cost alternative: a fan.
  • If bedtime is soon, skip the nap.
  • Quit that time-consuming job that lacks siesta benefits.
(More sleep stories.)

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