Don't sleep for longer than 30 minutes. If you need more, it's best to stay asleep for longer than an hour in order to complete the sleep cycle. But expect to feel groggy when you get up.
Feel free to have a cup of coffee in the morning to perk up. More than one cup will provide you with a false sense of alertness. It may also disrupt any afternoon naps you might have planned.
Keep a sleep diary. Take notes of when you go to sleep and wake up. This will help you schedule in a regular power nap during the day when you feel your energy lagging.
Find a quiet, comfortable environment to take your nap. Even if you don't find yourself napping at first, sleep experts believe your body will benefit from stress-free momentary repose.
Driving while sleepy is dangerous. If you are sleepy during your drive home due to long days, early rises or shift-work, you are more liable to have a car accident. Napping makes good sense - but not behind the wheel.
If you're work involves a lot of air travel - and, especially, if you're fortunate enough to travel first class - napping while flying is the perfect answer. And, as always, drink lots of water.
You can nap indoors and outdoors. (Some people call the latter sunbathing.) During the summer, why not take 40 winks under the shade of a tree or lying on the grass of your local park?
If you're napping at home, remember to turn off your mobile and unplug the telephone. There's nothing worse than being woken from a power nap just after you have happily nodded off.