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The ‘napuccino’, also known as the ‘coffee nap’, has re-emerged as a popular trend thanks to its promises to improve productivity and combat fatigue.
Although the term was introduced in 2010, scientists have begun to do more research into this technique that seeks to optimise the benefits of napping while minimising the risk of falling asleep for too long.
The ‘napuccino’ combines coffee intake with a short nap, creating a strategy that maximises the stimulating effects of caffeine.
The key to this technique is that caffeine blocks adenosine, a chemical that induces sleep.
According to scientist Siobhan Banks, caffeine prevents adenosine from building up in the brain, which helps us stay alert and fall asleep more easily.
Experts suggest that the ideal length for a nap is 20 minutes, as this time allows us to rest without falling into a deep sleep, which could make it difficult to wake up.
Recent studies have also shown that even naps as short as six minutes can improve memory and cognitive performance.
The optimal time to apply this technique is between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, when the feeling of tiredness is usually most intense.
However, it is important to bear in mind that prolonged naps of more than 30 minutes can be counterproductive, as one can enter a deep sleep phase, leading to sleep inertia and disorientation upon awakening.
Despite the benefits of the ‘napuccino’, doctors warn against excessive caffeine consumption, which can lead to health problems such as anxiety and accelerated cognitive decline. It is therefore advisable to use this technique in moderation.