How To Spend Your Thanksgiving Afternoon

 From Pete Wells over at the New York Times there is this sage advice about napping today:

1. Eat early.

In our natural circadian rhythms, most of us experience a dip in alertness between 1 and 3 p.m. “If you can time your nap to happen at that time, you’ll get a really great restorative nap,” Dr. Alger said.

2. Eat heartily.

Digesting a big meal takes a lot of energy, which leaves you sleepy.

3. Hold off on caffeine.

Coffee after the turkey may keep you from falling asleep. A cup right after you wake up, though, can help cut through the post-nap fog.

4. Get some privacy.

Rather than falling asleep in front of the television in the busiest room of the house, Dr. Alger recommends retreating to a cool, quiet bedroom. Draw the shades or wear an eye mask. Act as if you mean it.

5. Sleep as long as you like.

Although it’s easier to bounce back from a 20-minute “power nap,” staying under for 60 to 90 minutes can bring you to a deeper, more refreshing stage of sleep. “The longer the nap, the more benefits you’ll get,” Dr. Alger said.

6. Don’t wait too long.

Naps taken late in the day can make it harder to sleep at night.

Learn more here.