The Slacker's Guide to a Good Nap

Before you kick off your shoes and crawl under that desk, it might help to know something about napping in general.

Firstly, it may be more beneficial to take an hour long nap than a 15 minute nap. But if you only have 15 minutes, by all means, take it. Try partaking of this wonderful activity during lunchtime, when your time is normally your own. Even that little bit of time can help you return to the job at hand with improved vigor and focus.

It is recommended that you try not interrupt a sleep cycle, because that is actually what creates the grogginess you feel upon first awakening. Taking a significantly longer nap can also interfere with your regular sleep schedule.

Also, you might want to close the blinds to your office and lock your door before you crawl under your desk. Despite all of the benefits, your boss still might not understand.

So the doctors tell you to get 7-8 hours of sleep. But you don't. Perhaps there was a night of fun that got in the way, say you rolled in around 3am and had to be at work by 7. Well, three hours of sleep just isn't going to cut it.

And to be honest, anything less than 6 hours greatly increases your risk of getting into a car accident. Not to mention the fact that you will not be in your top form mentally.

The American culture seems to not encourage such things like napping, assuming that it will encourage laziness. In fact, an afternoon nap has been shown to increase productivity and cognitive functions. Napping can also improve reaction time, reduce stress, and its rumored to even help extend your life!