Nap time, already?

Everyone needs a cat nap once in a while. That is, if they want to lose their jobs or have to answer to DSS. Ever see how long cats sleep? They’re out cold 18 out of every 24 hours.

Short naps are a different story. Taking one of these every once in a while may be just the thing, especially with the fast-paced, sleep-deprived lives we all lead. They certainly won’t take the place of getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis—for that there is no substitute. But according to the National Sleep Foundation, short naps can improve mood, alertness and performance.

Keep them brief—no more than 20 to 30 minutes (although some people swear by the 10-minute power nap)—and they shouldn’t leave you feeling groggy or keep you from falling asleep when it’s time for beddy-bye. Just don’t forget to set some sort of alarm.