How to take a coffee nap ☕💤
The ultimate hack to beat fatigue
It’s happened to me before without even realising it. I’d catch a train or hop on a flight, sip on the complimentary coffee, and drift off for a quick nap. Strangely, when I woke up, I felt more refreshed than ever. Turns out, it’s a thing — it’s called a coffee nap, as explained by Johnny Harris. If you’ve ever wondered how to take a coffee nap the right way, science has some answers.
So, if you’re feeling like a zombie by 3pm, you’re not alone. Modern life has us running on caveman brains, bogged down by endless decisions and propped up by caffeine. But the coffee nap is a simple, science-backed hack that could banish your afternoon slump for good. Let me break it down:
Millennial Masters is brought to you by Jolt ⚡️ The UK’s top web hosting service
What’s making you so tired, anyway?
It’s not just your lack of sleep or Netflix addiction. The culprit? Modern life overload. Every day, we make 35,000 micro decisions (including some 200 about food alone), triggering brain chemicals like glutamate and adenosine to pile up, clogging our mental highways and leaving us exhausted. Sure, coffee can mask the symptoms for a bit, but eventually, the crash hits — and it’s brutal.
The science of the coffee nap
Here’s the magic: when you nap, your brain clears out adenosine, the chemical that tells you you’re tired. And caffeine blocks leftover adenosine from taking over. Combine the two, and you get a turbocharged reset. Drink coffee, nap for 15–20 minutes, and wake up feeling like you just upgraded your brain’s processor.
How to take a coffee nap ☕💤
Drink your coffee fast: A quick espresso shot works best — don’t sip leisurely.
Set a timer: Aim for 15–20 minutes. Too short, and you won’t feel refreshed. Too long, and you risk sleep inertia (feeling groggy).
Find a quiet spot: No distractions, no interruptions. A comfy chair or a quiet corner is all you need.
Wake up recharged: By the time the caffeine kicks in, you’ll be refreshed and ready to conquer the rest of your day.
Why it works better than just coffee or a nap
Without caffeine, a nap clears out adenosine but leaves you groggy. Without a nap, caffeine masks fatigue but doesn’t tackle the buildup of brain junk. Together, they’re the dream team, literally.
When and where to coffee nap
Timing is key: Late morning or early afternoon is ideal. Avoid naps too late in the day, or you’ll mess with your nighttime sleep.
At home or on the go: Coffee naps are perfect for drivers battling fatigue. They’re also a lifesaver if you’re pulling an all-nighter, catching an early train, or recovering from a gruelling commute. Wherever you are, just find a quiet spot, sip your coffee, and let the magic happen.
What you’ll gain
Sharper focus: Beat the afternoon slump and make better decisions.
More energy: Feel like you’ve had an extra hour of sleep.
Better moods: No more irritability or foggy afternoons.
Don’t knock it till you try it
A coffee nap isn’t just a quirky life hack: it’s backed by science and tailored for modern life. So, next time you’re struggling to stay awake at your desk, ditch the second coffee or the sneaky scroll through Instagram. Try this instead. Your brain —and your productivity — will thank you.