a colourful picture of a black woman sleeping in bed
There are proper methods and fallacious methods to nap (Image: Getty / metro.co.uk)

Trying to up your nap sport?

Some folks love napping, others hate it, saying it makes them really feel even worse than once they began.

Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, tells us that needing to nap at times may be very regular, however there are methods to do it higher and make sure you get up feeling refreshed… quite than much more drained and groggy.

In the event you’re searching for a strategy to increase your snoozing sport, Lisa has put collectively some tips about the right way to take a tip-top nap.

Attempt to nap for simply 20 minutes

It may possibly really feel so tempting to maintain sleeping, however Lisa says conserving limiting your nap to twenty minutes is greatest.

‘Any longer and it may intervene together with your nighttime sleep,’ she explains.

Specialists have additionally beforehand stated that napping after 3pm can mess together with your sleep the next evening.

Nap in your mattress, not on the couch

Whereas falling asleep on the sofa can occur very simply, Lisa says sleeping ‘all scrunched up’ like that can lead to posture issues and simply normal discomfort while you get up.

‘In the event you do really feel you must nap,’ she says, ‘head to mattress and create a restful setting as you'll for regular sleep.

‘Hold your bed room as quiet and darkish as doable, and at an ambient temperature round 16 to 18 levels that will help you drift off. Maybe strive a soothing scent in your bed room within the type of a diffuser; lavender is a good possibility that aids sleep and leisure.

‘Be certain that your mattress is snug and look out for indicators that you could be want a brand new mattress, equivalent to mattress age and put on – an uncomfortable nap is a foul nap.’

Do your typical sleep routines

Doing what you usually do earlier than mattress will help you wind down to your nap.

For instance, perhaps you take heed to calming music or an audiobook that will help you drift off, or sprinkle one thing lavender-scented in your pillow.

One factor we wouldn’t advocate is scrolling by means of your telephone – if that’s a part of your regular pre-bed routine, it’s in all probability not serving to you drift off simply, so take into consideration ditching that behavior.

Don’t depend on napping an excessive amount of

Even in the event you’re having 10/10 naps, Lisa says they’re no substitute for a correct evening’s sleep.

‘In case you are scuffling with damaged or dangerous sleep, you must search recommendation out of your GP,’ she provides.

‘It's also possible to converse to our skilled sleep advisors by means of our Nationwide Sleep Helpline by calling 03303 530 541.’