The Best Time of Day to Do Almost Anything
There's a time for everything—especially these 13 life basics.
By Jena Pincott
Best Time to Nap
You probably know: the best time to nap is when it comes naturally—usually sometime during the mid-afternoon circadian dip between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. After you snooze, chances are you'll be more alert, perform better on cognitive tests, have faster reflexes, and feel more "on" that you would otherwise. (Sadly, most of us don't/can't nap, which is why traffic accidents peak in these hours.) One thing to keep in mind: the sweet spot is shockingly short—10 minutes—but has benefits that last as long as 2.5 hours, finds an Australian study. A longer nap leads to drowsiness after waking.
Next: How your nose can control your brain
Published 05/28/2013