If you feel like you can never get enough sleep, especially if you’re in your first or third trimester, try power napping. Even a quick 15, 20, or 30-minute nap in the afternoon can leave you as re-energized and rejuvenated as an 8-ounce cup of coffee. But if you’re like me and it takes you 20 minutes just to begin to relax, here are some tips for getting into the napping groove:
Find a Relaxation Routine
Take a few minutes to relax and unwind. Turn off your cell phone, step away from the email, and turn off the TV. Listen to soothing music, meditate, or stretch.
Write to Relax
Quickly write down anything that’s bothering you or that’s occupying your mind. Get your to-do list off your chest, make your grocery list, or write about your bad morning at work – unload onto paper anything that may keep you awake.
Go to the Darkness
Find a dark room where you can nap. If it’s just not possible, invest in an eye mask to block out light and some earplugs to stifle the daytime noise. Set the mood for a quiet, relaxing siesta.
Get Comfy
Find a spot where you can get comfortable and relax, whether it’s your car, your bed, or the recliner. Ideally, it should be someplace where you won’t be interrupted and that’s reasonably quiet.
Set an Alarm
Set an alarm so you don’t oversleep and so you don’t have to keep one eye on the clock as you nap.
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