While some scientists are busy tracking asteroids or searching for signs of life on Mars, NASA took time to zero in on something a little closer to home — and a lot more relatable: naps.
That’s right. In what might be their most universally appreciated research yet, NASA studied the science of napping and discovered that the ideal nap length is 26 minutes.
According to their findings, a 26-minute nap can boost your alertness by 54% and improve performance by 34%. That’s basically the productivity equivalent of turning your brain off and on again — but in a supercharged, scientifically approved way.
It comes down to the structure of sleep. When you nap for that specific window, you typically only enter the first two stages of sleep — the light ones that recharge your brain without pulling you into the deeper stages that cause grogginess. If you nap too long and start drifting into slow-wave sleep, waking up can feel like emerging from a fog (and not the fun dream kind).
The research was originally conducted to help pilots and astronauts stay alert in high-pressure situations. But the rest of us can reap the benefits too — especially on those sluggish afternoons when coffee just isn’t cutting it.
So go ahead: set a timer, find a quiet corner, and embrace your inner space traveler. Because if it’s good enough for NASA, it’s good enough for your lunch break.
