Power Nap - Tumblr Posts

got home from work, passed out on top of my bed for a 30 min power nap, then woke up so disoriented and confused i felt blood vessels bursting in my brain when i tried to sit up

The term "NASA nap" refers to a specific approach to napping that involves combining a short nap with the consumption of caffeine, often in the form of coffee. This method is sometimes associated with NASA, the United States space agency, and is thought to be used by astronauts to optimize alertness and performance during space missions. While the exact origins of the term are not well-documented, the idea behind the NASA nap aligns with research on the benefits of both napping and caffeine.

Here's how the NASA nap is typically done:

Drink a Cup of Coffee Quickly: Consume a caffeinated beverage, such as coffee, relatively quickly. The goal is to finish the drink within a short timeframe to allow for the caffeine to start taking effect.

Immediately Take a Short Nap: Lie down for a brief nap immediately after consuming the caffeine. The recommended nap duration is usually around 10 minutes. This short nap is intended to prevent the individual from entering deep sleep, minimizing the risk of experiencing sleep inertia (grogginess upon waking).

Wake Up and Experience the Combined Benefits: After the short nap, the individual wakes up to experience the combined benefits of the caffeine and the brief period of rest. The caffeine's stimulating effects kick in just as the person wakes up, providing a dual boost in alertness and performance.

The idea behind the NASA nap is based on the fact that it takes some time for caffeine to have its full effect on the body. By strategically timing the short nap to coincide with the onset of caffeine's effects, individuals aim to maximize the benefits of both the nap and the stimulant.

While some studies suggest that combining caffeine with a short nap can enhance alertness and cognitive performance, individual responses to caffeine can vary. Additionally, the effectiveness of this approach may depend on factors such as the timing of the nap, the individual's sensitivity to caffeine, and overall sleep habits.

It's important to note that the term "NASA nap" may be more colloquial, and there's no definitive evidence that NASA officially endorses or uses this specific approach. However, the concept aligns with broader research on strategic napping and the benefits of caffeine in improving alertness and performance.

Power Nap Time for two Mourning Doves under the Sun.