Caffeine Nap

This is an interesting idea. I'd like to test the idea but I kinda sip coffee on a regular basis through much of the day so I always have caffeine in me. But I've always been a huge proponent of short naps....and long ones on weekends! But as a driver I loved taking a 20 minute nap in the middle of the day. The vast majority of the time it was a total game changer. It was always amazing how often it felt like you were starting your day fresh again.

You have to love daughters.... LOL

I find that if I miss my 20 minute nap about a half hour after I have lunch I am drowsy all afternoon. I usually only drink coffee first thing in the morning so I can't say how it would affect my nap. I do know that I would avoid energy drinks or those 5 hour energy shots like the plague as they do absolutely horrible things to your internal organs... Heart, liver, etc.

I envy yall that can take those little naps and they actually help. If I drive overnight nothing short of 1/2 hrs works for me.

Experiment #2:

Date and Time: 12/18/2014, 3:10 p.m. MST

Caffeine: 4 chocolate covered esspresso beans

Nap: 15 minutes in my 4 wheeler at my work's parking lot. Temp estimated at 60 degrees. Limited sleep, uninterupted nap.

Notes: The nap wasn't the most comfortable nap I ever had. I didn't sleep at all, just rested. It was mildly cold and I prefer to be warm when I nap. The beans were roughly 35 mg of caffeine. That comes out to be 1/3 of a cup worth of caffeine from coffee. I was mildly more alert. It was not as pronounced as Experiment #1, and I wonder if the added chocolate has effected efficiency. That night, I was short on sleep, but surprisingly woke up ready to go. I wasn't tired at all. I am wondering if the nap had anything to do with it.

Experiment #3

Date and Time: 12/24/2014, 1:20 P.M. MST

Caffeine: 10 oz. lukewarm English Breakfast Tea, 30 second chug. No additives

Nap: 20 minutes restless nap, no sleeping. One mild interruption 15 minutes in.

Notes: I notice when I fail to sleep, my body still rests. Having the caffeine keeps me be alert instead of wanting to nap more. The body being relaxed and the mind being alert is less "jarring". I think it is because I am getting used to it. That night around 4 p.m. I had a 4.6 mile run (which is pushing my limits). Towards the end of the night I was getting tired, I think mostly because of the run. I woke up mildly tired, but not like I normally do. I think the naps have a positive effect on the next morning.

--- This will be the last experiment posted, unless I actually get good sleep during a caffeine nap. I see myself using these naps when the circumstances warrant them: short on time and/or super tired.

I completely wiped caffeinated beverages from my diet about a month or so ago. I used to drink tons of diet sodas and coffee. I feel more alert during the day and well-rested after sleeping now. Either that, or the mattress in my sleeper is just that much more comfortable than the bed in my house. Can't say for sure.

I completely wiped caffeinated beverages from my diet about a month or so ago. I used to drink tons of diet sodas and coffee. I feel more alert during the day and well-rested after sleeping now. Either that, or the mattress in my sleeper is just that much more comfortable than the bed in my house. Can't say for sure.

I am sure there would be differences in everybody's results. I am interested in others experiences if they choose to give this a try. :)

Bumping and rehashing this as I just did a little research on the is subject. Been practicing this at home after 4-5 hour night of sleep. Works well.

POWER NAPPING GUIDELINES:

-Naps in general should be 20-30 minutes

-One healthy way to boost alertness is to take a caffeine pill just before a nap as it takes up to 30 minutes to be effective within the system.

-Never take a nap within 8 hours of the normal bedtime.

-Naps from 45-90+ minutes may actually be harmful to sleep patterns and might cause health problems.

SOURCE: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/napping

I recall, in my motorcycle riding days, that long distance riders would drink a cup of coffee and then take a power nap up to 30 minutes. Then they could ride for much longer time frames.

I have very little coffee now, since I've learned that if seems to really have an affect on my joints. I'll have a little now and again, but don't depend on it, as if I just gotta have a cup in the morning, kind of thing.

It's been 2 weeks since I pretty much just gave it up, and haven't had any while on the road. And my joints have felt better as a result, too.

Yeah, coffee is a pretty acidic food I know what you mean. Alkaline foods are always better if you have bad joints. Anyways, that’s why I like the caffeine pills for this exercise.

I recall, in my motorcycle riding days, that long distance riders would drink a cup of coffee and then take a power nap up to 30 minutes. Then they could ride for much longer time frames.

I have very little coffee now, since I've learned that if seems to really have an affect on my joints. I'll have a little now and again, but don't depend on it, as if I just gotta have a cup in the morning, kind of thing.

It's been 2 weeks since I pretty much just gave it up, and haven't had any while on the road. And my joints have felt better as a result, too.