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Nap in a Snap, No Bedroom Required
These tips for colors, linens and more can help you turn any room into a snuggly spot for daytime drifting
I always know when it's 2 p.m. — no watch required. It's the same every day, no matter how many hours I have slept the night before. My eyelids become heavy, and I get that fuzzy-thinking feeling. Yep, it's nap time.
If you're like me, the most important thing to know is that this is normal. We typically have two periods of intense sleepiness in a 24-hour cycle, once between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and another about 10 hours later. An ideal nap is 20 to 45 minutes long. Even a 20-minute nap can promote alertness, concentration, coordination and an enhanced mood.
If you are lucky enough to be able to nap during the day, here are a few tips for a quick and successful snooze.
If you're like me, the most important thing to know is that this is normal. We typically have two periods of intense sleepiness in a 24-hour cycle, once between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and another about 10 hours later. An ideal nap is 20 to 45 minutes long. Even a 20-minute nap can promote alertness, concentration, coordination and an enhanced mood.
If you are lucky enough to be able to nap during the day, here are a few tips for a quick and successful snooze.
Find a quiet corner in your home where you can draw the curtains. This daybed with great light control provided by the Roman shades is perfect for a 2 p.m. date with the sandman.
Use a light blanket to cuddle up with. You will have a hard time falling asleep if you are chilly. Be careful to not overheat with heaters and blankets, as this may cause you to oversleep.
Surround yourself with blue. Blue is associated with tranquility and produces a calming effect. It is good for the mind-body connection. Think of the sea and the sky and the calming effect of being outdoors.
Try to find a space in your home where you feel removed from everything that is going on. Ideally, you want to be away from the noise of TVs, cell phones and the doorbell. This cozy nook feels just like a nest, and curtains provide a visual barrier.
Some people say they have a hard time falling asleep during the day. Try reading a book. For some people, this is the magic trick for slipping into that quick catnap.
Create a bed of fluffy white linens and use lavender-scented linen spray. Much safer than using a candle, aromatherapy can relax your body and create the calming effect you need to fall asleep.
White noise can help too; try the sound of waves or birds chirping.
If you are one of those people who prefers to not nap during the day or just cannot fall asleep, try taking 20 minutes to sit in a nice room or by a fire and have your own personal timeout.
Let me know what you think in the Comments section — after your nap, of course.
More:
8 Decorating Ideas for a Good Night's Sleep
Your Perfect Bedroom: Calm and Airy or Moody and Dark?
How to Get the Hang of a Hammock
Let me know what you think in the Comments section — after your nap, of course.
More:
8 Decorating Ideas for a Good Night's Sleep
Your Perfect Bedroom: Calm and Airy or Moody and Dark?
How to Get the Hang of a Hammock