The power of a nap reset

ENERGISED DAY: GAME-CHANGER FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

- Hein Kaiser

Power naps, cat naps, whatever naps. They're the short interludes to a more productive, alert, and energised day, say experts.

While some people dismiss naps as indulgent and meaningless, others swear by them as the secret weapon to staying sharp. Napping can be a game-changer for mental and physical well-being.

Sleep expert Joni Peddie said that napping is an underutilised tool.

"It is not just about rest, it is about resetting your brain and boosting performance," she said.

But not all naps were created equal. It is all about timing and duration.

"A 20- to 30-minute power nap can significantly improve alertness and cognitive function without leaving you groggy," she said.

"Longer naps, especially those over an hour, push you into deep sleep, which makes waking up more difficult."