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The Guide to Napping

Whether you’re in need of a quick recharge or trying to recover from a bad night’s sleep, napping can be a great way to regain energy and reboot those mental batteries. Research shows that one-third of American adults take naps and while they aren’t for everyone, many who have made them a part of their routine have seen positive benefits in many aspects of their lives.

We’ve been creating quality sleeping experiences for customers for over five decades, and with the most luxurious bedding, blankets and pillows at your disposal, we can help you create the perfect napping scenario.

WHY NAP?

Napping has many perks. The most obvious being some much needed rest for body and mind. Getting the down time and relaxation you need to help decrease fatigue is vital for your health and well being. In addition to feeling less tired, the extra boost of energy naps provide can lead to increased mental awareness, a more heightened sense of alertness and improved brain performance.

Reaction times and memory capabilities also tend to be quicker when the mind has been given time to recharge. And because no one likes a sleepy grump, naps can help us improve our moods and maintain a positive state of mind. Sometimes it only takes a 20-minute nap session to help you feel happier and more optimistic the rest of the day.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU NAP?

Most sleep experts recommend shorter naps, with a range of 10-20 minutes. Anything more and it could not only affect your nightly sleep routine, which is still the most important and beneficial way to get the rest you need, but longer naps can often take you into a deeper sleep state, leaving you feeling drowsy and out of it for a while after waking.

Anything shorter than 10 minutes, you are likely not going to get the rest you need. Setting an alarm is an easy way to stick to these suggested times and maximize the benefits of your nap.

WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO NAP?

Since everyone is different with different lives and responsibilities, finding the right time to nap, or a time where you are actually able to nap, is one of the most important factors. Usually a good time to nap is close to halfway between waking up and when you go to bed. This is why lunchtime naps make a lot of sense for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of free time. If midday naps aren’t a possibility, try to set aside some time where you can leave the worries of the day behind for just 10-20 minutes.
If you’re having a hard time letting go, sleep meditation is one way to help your mind relax a little. Try to avoid napping later in the day as this can negatively affect the quality of your nighttime sleep.

Remember, a nap is only as good as what you get from it, so whatever you can do to put yourself in the best position for some quality rest, make it happen.

CREATING THE BEST NAPPING ENVIRONMENT

People nap in a variety of ways and in a variety of locations. There are couch nappers, chair nappers, car nappers, outside nappers, bed nappers and the list goes on. However you choose to nap, creating the most sleep-friendly environment will go a long way in achieving a quality rest, full of restorative energy.

It’s highly recommended to keep light low, electronics off and most importantly, try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. That’s where we come in.

If you have the luxury of being able to nap in your bed, make sure you are equipping yourself with the most luxurious and comforting bedding in colors and styles that make you feel good all over. Setting up your bed for success during nap time will also help you achieve a more satisfying sleep at night.

image of blanketsIf you’re sleeping on a couch, or even in a car during lunch, don’t underestimate the power of a cozy blanket. The right blanket, made with the highest quality materials and crafted to last, will put you in a comfy state of mind and tell your brain that it’s time for some serious napping. These popular blankets are available in a variety of fabrics, from lambswool to cashmere, and come in different weights to make sure you keep those temps exactly where you want them.

image of pillowsNo matter where you’re trying to nap, the right pillow is essential. Not only to achieve a quality rest, but also to ensure you aren’t sleeping awkwardly or putting too much stress on one part of your body. You don’t want to wake up with a sore neck or back. That’s why you should always have a good pillow handy. There are lots of incredible luxury pillows to choose from to make sure you have the right one. If you’re not quite sure which is right, check out our pillow guide or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you find it. Keeping a quality pillow nearby wherever you intend on napping, even in the car, can dramatically improve the quality of your sleep. And if you haven’t replaced the pillow on your bed in a while, you may want to do that too.

For all your napping needs, along with the finest bedding, bath, dining collections and a wide range of exclusive styles from classic to contemporary, check out our full selection. Happy napping!