With companies like Google and Apple encouraging employees to doze off on the job, nap taking is becoming the next big thing. Of course, this fits in perfectly with Taijiquan’s philosophy of Xùlì (蓄力 – Gathering energy) and Fālì and (发力 – Explosive energy). See Dax’s post for more on that subject.
But how long should your nap last? According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, it all depends on the purpose of your nap:
For a quick boost of alertness, experts say a 10-to-20-minute power nap is adequate for getting back to work in a pinch.
For cognitive memory processing, however, a 60-minute nap may do more good, Dr. Mednick said. Including slow-wave sleep helps with remembering facts, places and faces. The downside: some grogginess upon waking.
Finally, the 90-minute nap will likely involve a full cycle of sleep, which aids creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as learning how to ride a bike. Waking up after REM sleep usually means a minimal amount of sleep inertia, Dr. Mednick said.
Which nap time is right for you? Try it out and tell us about it in the comments section!
Source: The Perfect Nap: Sleeping Is a Mix of Art and Science - The Wall Street Journal