Naps are the stuff of childhood, right?  Doctors say think again.  Adults can reap the benefits of a mid-afternoon snooze just as much as kids.

Sleep experts say the work benefits of napping depend on the individualand how much time you nap.  Too long or too short can make you groggy.

Experts recommend the 10 to 20 minute power nap is the best.  It can give a boost of energy to get through the rest of the work day.

For memory, doctors say you'll need an hour, but you may wake up a little groggy.

A full 90 minutes will get you an entire sleep cycle that can help with procedures and creativity.

So what about the best time of day to nap?  Doctors say it depends on the workday schedule.  For a typical 9 to 5 job, right after lunch between 1p.m. and 4p.m., so it doesn't interfere with the night sleep schedule.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez