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Fasting from sunrise to sunset is an essential part of Ramadan, but, let us be honest, long hours without food and drinks can also leave you feeling a bit… sleepy. With pre-dawn meals, late-night prayers, and a disrupted sleep schedule, energy levels can take a hit. Enter the power nap: your secret weapon for staying refreshed and functional — not only during this period of strict discipline, but anytime you need a quick energy boost to keep going.
What exactly is a power nap?
A power nap is a short burst of sleep that boosts alertness without leaving you groggy. Unlike a full-on afternoon snooze, which can push you into deep sleep and make waking up feel like an Olympic event, power nap keeps things light and refreshing.
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A well-timed power nap isn’t just about shaking off sleepiness — it can help you stay sharp, boost your mood, and fight off fatigue and brain fog. In the long run, the benefits are even more impressive. Research shows that regular short naps can improve cardiovascular and mental health by giving stressed neurons the downtime they need to repair and recharge. They may even help slow brain ageing by three to five years.
The best time to take a power nap
Timing is everything — nap too late, and you might struggle to sleep at night; nap too early, and you won’t feel the full benefit. The sweet spot for a power nap is early to mid-afternoon, ideally between 1 and 4 pm, when it can give you the biggest energy boost without interfering with your nighttime rest.
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How to make the most of your power nap
To truly master the art of the power nap, a little strategy goes a long way.
Try keeping it short and aim for 15-20 minutes. Anything longer might drag you into deep sleep, leaving you feeling worse than before. Make sure to find a quiet, comfy spot: a dark, cool space with minimal distractions is ideal. If that is not possible, an eye mask and noise-cancelling earbuds can work wonders. Don’t forget to set an alarm: the last thing you want is to wake up an hour later, disoriented and questioning your life choices.
Once you have the basics covered, go ahead — embrace the nap life, because sometimes, the best way to power through the day is to pause for a little shut-eye.
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