Tips for Busy Moms: Power Naps

by Jennifer Worthington Lower  

Everyday we rush around doing, doing, doing for everyone but ourselves.  It becomes exhausting and I know for a fact that we could all use a nap.  I have tried the 1-2 hour nap with my kids in the middle of the day, but you wake up groggy and you have wasted precious time that could have been using to cross off things on your to-do list.  I am an advocate for the 20 minute Power Nap. 

According to Jennifer Soong and Michael J. Breus PhD at WebMD,

 “Napping regularly may reduce stress and even decrease your risk of heart disease, according to research from the Harvard School of Public Health and University of Athens Medical School in Greece. To get the most out of a power nap, follow these quick tips from sleep expert Sara C. Mednick, PhD:

• Be regular. Keep a regular nap schedule. Prime napping time falls in the middle of the day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.falls in the middle of the day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Make it quick. Set your cell phone alarm for 30 minutes or less if
• you don’t want to wake up groggy.
• Go dark. Nap in a dark room or wear an eye mask. Blocking out light helps you fall asleep faster.
• Stay warm. Stash a blanket nearby to put over you because your body temperature drops while you snooze.”

You get that boost you need to make it through the rest of the day and you are still productive.  Don’t freak out.  I don’t suggest that you do this everyday, but by all means, if you can? DO IT. 

On the weekends when I am home with the kids, I lay down to recharge for (what I hope is) the first half of nap time and then take the rest to get a few things done without the little ones on my heals.  During the work week, I try to steal a few minutes to myself in my car on my lunch break.  It looks/seems desperate.  But who would I be kidding if I said I wasn’t?  I value sleep, at all costs.

So, if you find yourself with a few extra minutes to rest your eyes this week, take advantage.  You deserve it!

Source:

WebMD.”The Secret (and surprising) Power of Naps.” (accessed May 13,2011)

More about the author: Jen is a 20-something wife and mother of two under two living in Chester County. She and her husband were born and raised in the Philadelphia area, and with the exception of attending and graduating form Shippensburg University, they have no intentions of leaving. Jen spends her days working in an office and trying to find ways to spend more time at home with her family. To get more of Jen and what life is throwing at her, take a look at her blog, MamaZenblog.com