The student guide to resting the right way

Hustle matters, but so does taking time to rest.

Being a post-secondary student means juggling assignments, exams, part-time jobs and, of course, trying to maintain a social life. With all these demands, it’s no wonder we often find ourselves sacrificing sleep, leading to being burnt out, tired and mentally drained.

But, what if I told you that you could catch up on rest without completely messing up your sleep schedule? Welcome to the art of the nap! Napping isn’t just for toddlers, retired folks or pandas—it’s a secret weapon for staying sharp, focused and energized.

When done the right way, a quick nap can be your ticket to boosting productivity, improving focus and giving you the energy you need to tackle whatever’s next on your to-do list.

So, grab your blanket, find a cozy spot and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to napping like a pro.

The benefits of napping

A man is pulling the blanket over and settling in to sleep. — *Via GIPHY*

Studies have shown that napping isn’t just for catching up on sleep—it’s a scientifically proven way to reduce stress and prevent burnout. Short naps work wonders by triggering the release of endorphins (those feel-good chemicals).

At the same time, napping helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which means you’ll not only feel more energized but also experience less anxiety and overwhelm.

But that’s not all! Taking naps has been linked to improved memory, sharper cognitive performance and even enhanced creativity.

Whether you’re cramming for an exam or working on a project, a nap can refresh your mind and help you think more clearly.

A quick break for maximum energy

A sleepy cat is lying down and the words "OKAY, IT'S NAP TIME" are written below. — *Via GIPHY*

A power nap is your best friend when you need to recharge without sacrificing precious study time. The ideal power nap lasts around 10-20 minutes. Why? Because this short duration lets you rest and replenish the body’s energy, without slipping into deep sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

If you nap for longer than 30 minutes, you might slip into a deeper sleep cycle and waking up from that can leave you feeling like you’ve just been hit with a sleep hangover feeling disoriented, slow and wondering what year it is.

So, keep it short, sweet and to the point. Think of it as a quick tune-up for your brain—take a break, recharge and get back to conquering the day!

Creating the perfect environment for a nap

A man falls down while sleeping on the couch. — *Via GIPHY*

Just like you need the perfect conditions for a good night’s sleep, your nap game will benefit from the right environment too.

Find a quiet spot, preferably somewhere dark (but not pitch black unless you’re planning a staycation in the dream world) and free from distractions.

A comfortable chair, a soft pillow or even a cozy blanket can work wonders. If you’re in a noisy place, consider using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones with some relaxing tunes.

The goal is to trick your brain into thinking it’s bedtime, so make the environment as cozy and nap-friendly as possible.

And don’t forget to set an alarm, otherwise you might just drift off for hours!

Napping without ruining your sleep schedule

A man is lying on the bed with his eyes wide open. — *Via GIPHY*

While naps are great for recharging, they can cause problems if you’re not careful.

Napping for too long or too late in the day can mess with your nighttime sleep, leaving you wide awake at 3 a.m., overthinking everything from that awkward conversation in class to what you’re having for dinner the next day.

So, how do you nap without disrupting your sleep routine? First, keep your naps short—no longer than 30 minutes. That way, you’ll recharge without slipping into deep sleep, which can leave you feeling groggy and mess with your body’s internal clock.

Second, try to stick to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Your body thrives on routine, so if you’re used to going to sleep at 11 p.m., don’t let your nap drag on into your evening.

Keep it balanced and your body will thank you later!

Sleep smart, stay sharp

A man is telling another man "I feel pretty good, I feel great." — *Via GIPHY*

Think of napping as a mini-reset button for your brain. You don’t want to waste this precious time, you want to maximize its benefits.

To do this, avoid using nap time as a sneaky excuse for procrastination. It’s tempting to tell yourself you’ll take a short nap and then study, but it’s best to approach your naps with purpose. Use your nap as a strategic break, not just a way to escape the pile of work on your desk.

A well-timed nap can actually enhance your focus and productivity. Consider taking a nap after an intense study session to give your brain a much-needed reset or recharge before an evening exam review to ensure you’re at your sharpest.

By using naps to strategically boost your energy, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, clear-headed and ready to tackle whatever’s next.

A cartoon cat is snuggling into bed, ready to sleep. — *Via GIPHY*

Now that you’re ready to embrace the nap like a true student pro, remember that the key is balance. Nap just enough to stay sharp, but not so much that it throws off your sleep routine.

And for those days when you really need to catch some high-quality rest on campus, check out the IGNITE Sleep Lounge! It’s the perfect place to recharge between classes, offering a comfy and peaceful space that lets you relax.

The IGNITE Sleep Lounge is open at Humber Polytechnic—North (KX204) and Lakeshore (basement of the K building) campuses Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed—just drop by!

Grab your blanket, hit the nap button and wake up ready to chase your dreams!

Happy napping!

Feature image courtesy of Tatiana Rodriguez via Unsplash.

Want to learn more about the IGNITE Sleep Lounge? Check out the ultimate guide to improved academic performance with the IGNITE Sleep Lounge!