Classes have started again, which means the many sleep-deprived students of SPHS are coming home every day ready to curl up on their favorite chairs, beds or couches and take a nap. The after-school nap is a common and necessary tool for successful students, that is, if executed properly. So, without further ado, here are four napping tips to enhance your forty winks.
Tip #1: Take a nap if you need one. You’re not helping yourself by downing cans of sugar and caffeine everyday and forcing yourself to stay awake. According to WebMD, a short nap can not only give you a recharging of energy, but can clear your mind, improve brain function and boost creativity. Taking a short nap and coming back to an assignment is not a waste of time— it might actually help you do better!
Tip #2: Plan and limit your sleeping time. Don’t fall asleep without planning when you’re going to wake up, and don’t let yourself sleep too long. Sleep experts recommend 15 to 20 minutes at a time for a quick refresher, and 90 to 110 minutes (the average time needed for a complete sleep cycle) for when you’re really exhausted. With anything more, you could wake up feeling even more run down. And don’t forget to set an alarm, or multiple alarms, if you lack self discipline. This method ensures that you won’t have to rely on someone else to wake you up.
Tip #3: Get comfortable! You only have a little while to rejuvenate so you want it to be as effective as possible. Put on comfy clothes and find a good place to snooze (ideally, this is a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed). Equip your napping area with your favorite fluffy pillows and blankets. If it’s bright outside, shut your blinds and/or invest in an eye mask. Now you’re ready to siesta! Put on that Spotify playlist of relaxing music or dig up that CD of whale sounds your grandma got you for your birthday last year. Let your mind wander to something other than Algebra or Physics, just for a little while.
Tip #4: Get back to work. It’s a good idea to give yourself a couple minutes to wake up first, but waiting too long to get back in the zone can mean taking a big step backwards. As much as you don’t want to, get out from under your cocoon, stretch, make yourself a drink and finish what you need to do. It’s might also be a good idea to sit up at a desk or table, just so you won’t be tempted to go back to sleep.
Congratulations, you have just become the nap master! Go ahead and put this knowledge to good use any time you need a quick doze from now on.
