Nap Calculator

Not all naps are created equal. A 20-minute power nap boosts alertness, while a 90-minute nap includes a full sleep cycle with REM. Timing matters too โ€” nap too late and you will disrupt your night-time sleep. Our nap calculator recommends the ideal nap type, duration, and latest safe nap time based on your schedule.

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About napping

Power naps (20 minutes) enhance alertness without entering deep sleep. Recovery naps (60 minutes) include deep sleep and may cause temporary grogginess upon waking. Full-cycle naps (90 minutes) complete an entire sleep cycle including REM, leaving you refreshed. Avoid napping within 5 hours of bedtime, as it can make it harder to fall asleep at night. This tool adds 5 minutes to account for time to fall asleep.

Nap Accessories

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a power nap be?
A power nap should be 15-20 minutes. This keeps you in light sleep (stages 1-2), which boosts alertness and mood without causing sleep inertia (grogginess). Set an alarm to avoid sleeping longer.
Why do I feel groggy after napping?
Grogginess after a nap (sleep inertia) usually means you woke up during deep sleep (stage 3). This happens with naps of 30-60 minutes. Either nap for 20 minutes (before deep sleep) or 90 minutes (a full cycle that ends in light sleep).
What is the best time to take a nap?
The best time to nap is between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when your circadian rhythm naturally dips. Napping after 3:00 PM can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at night.
Are naps good for you?
Short naps (20-30 minutes) improve alertness, mood, reaction time, and memory consolidation. However, frequent long naps or napping due to chronic daytime sleepiness may indicate an underlying sleep disorder. Naps should complement, not replace, adequate night-time sleep.
Can a nap replace lost sleep?
A nap can temporarily reduce sleepiness and improve performance, but it cannot fully replace the deep sleep and REM cycles lost from a short night. Consistent night-time sleep of 7-9 hours remains the priority.

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