One night of bad sleep -- or no sleep -- can definitely make you feel awful the next day, but if you're consistently tired or feel sleepy during the day, sleep might not be the issue. Your diet, stress, or an underlying medical problem could be the cause. Even allergies or the medications you're taking could zap your energy. Consider your sleep quality, of course, but also look into other possible causes. Power Naps Will Make You Feel Refreshed Naps are awesome, but they're not all equally restorative. Depending on how long you nap, you might end up feeling groggy when you wake up. Aim for about 20 minutes if you want a boost in energy and mental alertness. You're Either a Morning Person or a Night Owl (and Morning People Are More Productive) Most people think of themselves as either morning "larks" or night owls, but there's more to sleep cycles than that. People have different energetic times during the day that aren't necessarily tied to our preference for sleeping late or getting up early. And you know that saying "the early bird gets the worm"? While our society -- the workplace and school systems -- seem to reward morning people, night owls can be just as productive and creative as their counterparts. In fact, doctors say schools should start later in the day for the health of students, who aren't getting enough sleep. (I'd be up for later workday start times too.) |