What is a Coffee Nap? How Long Should a Coffee Nap Be?

DreamCloud Editorial Team

Table of contents

What is a caffeine nap? Efficacy of Coffee Naps: What Scientific Studies Say How to Take a Coffee Nap Duration of a Coffee Nap Benefits & Limitations of Coffee Naps Frequently Asked Questions

Coffee and nap is a completely counterproductive combination. Then what is a coffee nap? Sometimes a cup of coffee is exactly what you need before a quick nap. We often feel fatigued but have too much on our plate. Gulping a cup of coffee before a nap of 20 minutes or so will pump up your energy levels. Research states that this is possible because of the presence of adenosine in caffeine , that aids in peaceful sleep. Let us unravel more about how a coffee power nap will act as an energy booster.

What is a caffeine nap?

A caffeine nap or coffee nap is consuming coffee and instantly lying down for a 20 minutes nap. The napping duration shouldn’t surpass 20 minutes, otherwise, it might risk you going to deep sleep. And, that will further lead to a dazed feeling and discredit all the usefulness you would otherwise have experienced. If, in any case, you are time bound and unable to opt for a 20 minutes nap, 15 minutes will also do.

Efficacy of Coffee Naps: What Scientific Studies Say

The concept of a caffeine power nap tends to be promising. Moreover, certain researchers and scientists have worked on the fact that a coffee nap is more effective than either a coffee or a nap alone. Though the number of studies conducted behind finding if drinking coffee before sleep is actually fruitful, the results have all been positive to date.One study was conducted on 12 sleep individuals who consumed 200 mg of caffeine, followed by a power nap of 15 minutes. After they were seated on a driving simulator for two hours, 91% of the time, those people experienced less sleepiness than those who didn’t have a coffee nap. Moreover, even if they didn't sleep during that period and just stayed half-asleep, this will hold valid. Another study was conducted on 10 young healthy adults where a coffee nap resulted in developing their computer tasks. Again, this would not have been possible if undergone a normal nap, or a nap followed by exposure to radiant light, a nap followed by face washing, or even after no nap at all.

How to Take a Coffee Nap

Since the effectiveness of a coffee nap is quite high, let us check out how to sleep after caffeine.

Grab a Cup of Coffee

In a coffee nap, the coffee doesn’t include the regular sugar and milk or cream. It is solely the coffee that will be beneficial. The addition of sugar in the coffee before nap might result in an energy spike instantly and a crash after some time. On the other hand, milk or cream might result in indigestion and affect sleep quality .This caffeine power nap requires the person to consume the coffee quickly. Therefore, if you are more of a sipping person, go for an espresso. You need to consume 200 milligrams of coffee which results in one to two cups of coffee that efficiently fuels the energy.

Find a Comfortable Place

In the next step of knowing about a coffee power nap, find yourself a cozy and dark place to experience an uninterrupted 20 minutes of sleep. Sleeping in a similar ambiance helps foster fatigue. If you are at school or the workplace, then find a place in the car or library or maybe an unused room.

Set Your Alarm

One very important step is to wake up right after 20 minutes and not extend the sleeping time. To help with this activity, set your alarm at high volume for 15 or 20 minutes - depending on the time you have in hand. Remember to set your alarm for 20 minutes, even if you have an extended break for half an hour or more.

Take Your Nap

Last step of drinking coffee before sleeping is ultimately to relish the coffee nap. Lie down, and try to rest. Even if you cannot completely sleep, don’t be overwhelmed, lightly dozing off will also bring similar positive results.

Duration of a Coffee Nap

The whole fact about a coffee nap depends greatly on the duration of sleep. Brief nap times of 15 to 20 minutes are enough for the coffee to disintegrate and get delivered to your brain. Napping for those 15 to 20 minutes will help clear the adenosine from the brain, and let the coffee settle down in your brain receptors more effectively. Another reason behind setting your alarm for only 20 minutes during a coffee nap is to risk going into a deep sleep. Once you suddenly wake up from a state of deep sleep, you might feel groggy.

Best Time Of The Day For A Coffee Nap

Many of us experience a fall in energy level during mid-days, and that is the perfect time for a coffee nap. But, if you feel fatigued during the morning, proceed with your coffee nap then. But, the only thing to consider here is not consuming caffeine before bedtime. It is generally recommended to consume it 6 hours before bedtime.

Benefits & Limitations of Coffee Naps

Drinking coffee before sleep has certain benefits and limitations.

Benefits:

Increase in efficiency and energy levels
No drowsiness post waking up
Improved performance in computer tasks
Great way to boost energy during the afternoon slump

Limitations:

Mixing sugar or added flavors in the coffee might reduce the effectiveness of a coffee nap
Though excessive caffeine intake might lead to restlessness, muscle tremors, anxiety,
Consumption of caffeine in less than 6 hours of bedtime might affect sleep quality

Does Coffee Nap Have the Same Effects as Power Nap?

Considering all the aforementioned facts about a coffee nap, it can be concluded that alone coffee or a nap will not render such effectiveness. From all the studies stated above, the alertness level has increased in both cases. Whereas, a power nap is 10 to 30 minutes of sleep especially during the afternoon when there is a dip in the circadian rhythm. The advantages of a coffee nap undoubtedly outweigh that of a power nap. A coffee nap can be a really leisurely and practical way to raise the energy level. Someone who doesn’t have much time to relax and needs an instant energy spike will prefer a coffee nap to a power nap.Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm not good at napping? If you are someone not good at napping, you can opt for an afternoon latte, go for a brisk walk, or get exposed to sunlight for a boost in energy. What time of day is best for a caffeine nap? The best time of the day is generally during the afternoon when the person feels drowsy. But they can also consume it after waking up. Though caffeine consumption in less than 6 hours might affect sleep quality. Can you sleep after drinking coffee? Sleeping for 15 to 20 minutes after drinking coffee often results in boosted energy.

What is a Coffee Nap? How Long Should a Coffee Nap Be?

What is a caffeine nap?

Efficacy of Coffee Naps: What Scientific Studies Say

How to Take a Coffee Nap

Duration of a Coffee Nap

Best Time Of The Day For A Coffee Nap

Benefits & Limitations of Coffee Naps

Benefits:

Limitations:

Does Coffee Nap Have the Same Effects as Power Nap?

Frequently Asked Questions

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