‘Coffee Naps’ – Can They Help You?
A coffee nap is a nap after drinking coffee which allows about 20 minutes for caffeine to take effect.
A coffee nap is a short period of sleep, typically around 15-20 minutes, immediately following the consumption of a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage. The idea behind a coffee nap is that caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect, so by taking a quick nap right after drinking a cup of coffee, the caffeine will begin to take effect just as you wake up, providing you with an extra boost of energy and alertness.
The theory is that while you’re napping, the caffeine in the coffee is absorbed into your bloodstream and blocks adenosine, a chemical in the brain that causes drowsiness. When you wake up, you’ll feel more alert and energized than if you had just had the coffee without the nap.
Coffee naps can be particularly effective for people who need to stay awake and alert for extended periods, such as students studying for exams, long-distance drivers, or night-shift workers. However, it’s important to note that coffee naps may not work for everyone, and some people may find that they have difficulty falling asleep after consuming caffeine. Additionally, caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, so it’s important to limit caffeine intake to avoid disrupting your night time sleep.