In a world where it seems you never get very far away from your work, I’m beginning to understand the importance of a much-needed cat nap. Now don’t become all angelic while I confess my shortcomings of sometimes falling asleep at the computer while trying to get through my day. Whether I’m trying to get through all my emails or if I’m writing another article, many times the caffeine does not kick in quick enough and I find myself closing my eyelids a little longer than expected. Now I’m fighting it but let’s face it, after a few minutes of struggling it’s just easier to give in and close your eyes for a few minutes.

I came to this realization recently while I was cat sitting a cute yet energetic kitten named “Crash.” Crash had to hang out at my office for the day and was quite the entertainer between brief cat naps. Yes, one minute she was scampering about bopping her toys and exploring the front office plants pretending she was in the jungle. Then the next minute she was curled up into a ball in the corner taking a short siesta. As I watched her burst of energy after her short little siestas, I finally understood the real benefit of a little cat nap.

So this is where you have to convince your boss that “cat napping” is very productive in the long run, even if it may not seem like it while you’re resting your eyes a minute. Yes, taking that 20-minute cat nap can actually refresh you enough during your long, stressful day to make you mentally sharp again to finish the task at hand. Now this isn’t an hour or longer break. This is simply a 15-20 minute much needed cat nap. Amazingly, there have been studies of the benefits of napping like reduced stress and fatigue, increased alertness, improved mood and improved performance. Isn’t this what any boss would want for their employee? I think so and I have a great boss who understands that when you keep going like the energizer bunny day after day, you better have a cat nap or two to restore your low battery or you’ll just run completely out of energy before the end of your extended work day and week.

Some studies have even shown that in addition to reducing stress and sleepiness, naps can improve your memory and provide measurable cognitive benefits. Now who doesn’t need that on a daily basis?

So, take that much-needed power nap, between 15 and 45 minutes, and see what it does for you. I understand that it might have to be on your lunch break but eat in fifteen minutes and use the rest of your time for a cat nap. Your body and brain will thank you for it. Sweet dreams.