The effect of powernapping on performance

Abstract

Study objective Investigating what effect four different daytime nap durations/compositions have on subjective wellbeing, performance and alertness. 24 participants were recruited (13 male). Results When comparing subjective sleepiness before and after the naps, participants reported being more fatigued after the nap as compared to before the nap in conditions after a nap of at least 15 minutes containing at least 10 minutes of stage S2 sleep. Additionally, there was an overall reduction of reported activation (vigor) after napping. We found no significant changes in task performance related to the nap condition. Conclusions No beneficial effect of a powernap was found. Brief daytime naps do not significantly affect performance or sustained alertness immediately after wake up. Subjective sleepiness seems to increase after a nap. However, we cannot rule out that the advantageous effects reported in previous literature will emerge later on or in sleep deprived individuals.