The Power of a Nap

When I was a kid, naps felt like punishment. Now? I look forward to them. In fact, I’d call

myself a napper — a proud one. These short bursts of rest, especially when taken consistently at

the same time each day, have become one of the most powerful tools I’ve found for recharging

my body and mind.

Why Napping Isn’t Just for Kids

A lot of people think naps are only for children. But the older I get, the more I realize the value

of a good, intentional nap. Science backs this up: sleep — even in short doses — improves

memory, focus, and creativity. It also supports heart health and helps manage stress. In other

words, those 15–20 minutes aren’t wasted; they’re an investment in your health.

My Nap Habits: Finding the Right Place

I’ve taken naps in more places than I can count. When I was a car salesman, I would nap in my car on

break — doors locked, sunshade up, AC running, music playing softly. Later, when I had an

office at my first insurance agency, I’d lean back in my chair, coat as a blanket, lights off, and catch some quick

rest during lunch.

No matter where you nap, one thing is essential: safety and comfort. Create an environment

where you can fully relax — even if that means draping a towel over your eyes or using

headphones to block the world out.

The Secret to an Effective Nap

The real trick to napping is control. Set a timer on your phone so you don’t drift into a deep sleep

cycle. Fifteen to twenty minutes is ideal — enough to refresh your mind without making you

groggy. I like to set mine for 20 minutes, which gives me about 15 minutes of real rest.

Some experts even recommend having a little caffeine right before your nap. It takes about 15

minutes for coffee or tea to kick in, so by the time you wake up, the caffeine is doing its job and

you’re extra alert.

A Cultural Shift Toward Napping

In America, napping has long been seen as lazy. But that’s starting to change. Some of the

biggest companies in the world — like Google, Nike, Zappos, and Cisco — now provide nap

pods or quiet spaces for employees. They recognize what other cultures, like Mexico with its

siesta and parts of Asia with workplace nap policies, have known for years: rest makes people

more productive.

There’s even a growing business trend of leasing nap spaces. From day-use hotel bookings to

nap-pod rental companies, the idea of taking a scheduled rest break is gaining ground.

Sharpening the Saw

There’s an old saying about sharpening the saw: you’ll cut faster and more efficiently if you stop

and take care of your tools. I think naps work the same way. Fighting through fatigue wastes

energy and focus. A short, controlled nap is like sharpening the saw — you return refreshed,

sharper, and ready to work smarter.

Wellness Wednesday Takeaway

This blog is part of my Wellness Wednesday series, a reminder that taking care of yourself goes

beyond diet and exercise. With the government’s upcoming changes to health insurance subsidy

contributions, managing our own health and wellness will matter more than ever.

A good night’s sleep and a refreshing power nap aren’t luxuries — they’re preventive health

tools. In fact, most doctors will tell you that rest is one of the best prescriptions you can give

yourself. Better sleep supports your heart, your mind, and your long-term health.

So don’t wait until your body forces you to stop. Schedule a nap, rest well at night, and take

control of your health today. Your body — and your future self — will thank you.

Written by Layforn Profice Jr

Profice means benefit — and as your agent, that’s exactly what I aim to be: a benefit to

you.