Coffee naps, also known as “caff naps,” have been gaining popularity as a way to boost alertness and mental acuity. A coffee nap is exactly what it sounds like: consuming a cup of coffee, and then taking a short nap. This combination has been shown to provide a greater boost in cognitive function than just caffeine alone.
Boost Your Alertness and Energy
One of the main benefits of a coffee nap is that it allows caffeine to enter the brain during the nap. Caffeine takes about 20-30 minutes to reach peak levels in the bloodstream, which is just about the right amount of time for a short nap. This means that when you wake up from your nap, the caffeine is already in your system, providing you with an immediate boost in alertness and energy.
Improve Reaction Time, Memory and Cognitive Function
Coffee naps have been shown to improve reaction time, memory, and cognitive function. In one study, conducted by researchers at Loughborough University, participants who took a coffee nap performed better on a driving simulator test than those who just took a nap or just consumed caffeine. Other studies, like the one conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have shown that coffee naps can help reduce the effects of sleep deprivation, making them a great option for shift workers or anyone who needs to stay alert during the day.
Reduce the Effects of Jet Lag
Another benefit of coffee naps is that they can help to reduce the effects of jet lag. A coffee nap can help to reset your body’s internal clock, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone.
It is important to note that the nap should be brief, 20-30 minutes is ideal, as longer naps can lead to grogginess upon waking up. Also, it’s important not to drink too much coffee before a nap, as too much caffeine can lead to restlessness and difficulty falling asleep.
How to Take A Coffee Nap
1. Drink a cup of coffee:
Consume a warm cup of coffee 20-30 minutes before you plan to take your nap. This will ensure that the caffeine has enough time to enter your bloodstream and reach peak levels by the time you wake up.
2. Set an alarm:
It’s important to set an alarm to ensure that your nap is brief, 20-30 minutes is ideal, as longer naps can lead to grogginess upon waking up.
3. Find a quiet and dark place to nap:
Find a quiet and dark place to nap to help you relax and fall asleep faster. A comfortable chair or a bed will work.
4. Get up when the alarm goes off:
Get up when the alarm goes off, and you will feel refreshed and more alert than if you had just taken a nap or just consumed caffeine alone. No procrastinating! Remember Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule. Just count backwards from five to one, “five, four, three, two, one,” and get the f up.
Coffee and a Nap, Please!
Coffee naps can be a great way to boost alertness, mental acuity, and cognitive function. They are a simple and effective way to combat the effects of sleep deprivation, jet lag, and even a long night out. So next time you’re feeling tired and need a quick pick-me-up, consider having a cup of coffee and taking a short nap!
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FAQs
Q: Can I have a coffee nap after 3 p.m.?
A: It is generally recommended to avoid consuming caffeine too close to bedtime, as it can affect your ability to fall asleep. Therefore, if you plan on having a coffee nap after 3 p.m, it’s best to keep the nap short, around 20-30 minutes, and to avoid consuming too much caffeine. This will help minimize the potential negative effects on your sleep.
Q: Will the coffee nap work if there is milk and sugar in my coffee?
A: Adding milk and sugar to your coffee will not affect the effectiveness of the coffee nap. The key component is the caffeine, which helps to boost alertness and cognitive function. However, it’s important to note that consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on your overall health.
Q: My 10-year-old child wants to take a coffee nap. Are they too young to consume coffee?
A: It is not recommended for children under the age of 12 to consume caffeine. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents should avoid caffeine. The effects of caffeine on children can be much more pronounced than on adults, and can lead to negative side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and stomach upset.
Q: Do coffee naps only work for young adults?
A: Coffee naps can be beneficial for people of all ages. However, it’s important to note that as we get older, we may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of how much caffeine you are consuming and to adjust accordingly.
Q: Would a cup of caffeinated tea have the same effect?
A: Caffeinated tea can have similar effects to coffee when it comes to boosting alertness and cognitive function. However, the amount of caffeine in tea can vary depending on the type of tea and brewing time. In general, a cup of black tea contains around 40-50mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains around 95mg of caffeine. So, a cup of tea may have less caffeine than a cup of coffee and may have a less potent effect.
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