The experiment
In a British study, ten healthy men slept only four hours one night, from 11 pm to 3 am. The next day, from 1 pm to 1.30 pm, they either napped or sat quietly.[1]
Results
The nap improved alertness, short-term memory and choice reaction accuracy, and reduced sleepiness. Sprint times improved too: the 20-metre sprint got faster on average, from 3.97 to 3.88 seconds. Mean reaction time and grip strength did not change.[1]
Where Unemuna PRO comes in
The PRO recovery programs are designed to support physical and mental recovery after exertion. According to the manufacturer, the Finnish-developed Neurosonic technology has been on the market since 2011. It is not a medical device and does not replace treatment by a healthcare professional.[2]
Bottom line
If your night was short, a short afternoon nap helps bring back alertness and performance. A nap needs a quiet private place, which most sports centres don’t have.
Sources
- Waterhouse J, Atkinson G, Edwards B et al. The role of a short post-lunch nap in improving cognitive, motor, and sprint performance in participants with partial sleep deprivation. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2007;25(14):1557–1566. doi.org/10.1080/02640410701244983 (opens in a new window)
- GoSleep. Recovery Pod Pro. Manufacturer website. gosleep.fi/recovery-pod-pro-en/ (opens in a new window)
