#58 - Caffeine Nap

The Matt Walker Podcast

In this episode, Matt delves into the intriguing realm of the "caffeine nap." He explores the idea of combining a short nap with caffeine to enhance mental performance and wakefulness. The episode kicks off with a dilemma – in the afternoon, when faced with fatigue, should you opt for coffee or a nap? Matt reveals that the answer isn't a simple choice between the two but a potent mix of both.

Matt elucidates the science behind the caffeine nap, emphasizing the ideal timing for each element. He touches upon studies comparing the impacts of caffeine, naps, and caffeine naps on cognitive functions and memory recall. It's revealed that a caffeine nap—consuming caffeine right before a brief nap—can offer significant benefits in reducing sleep inertia and boosting cognitive performance. Additionally, Matt delves into how supplementary factors, such as washing with cold water and exposure to natural light, can augment the effects of the caffeine nap.

However, Matt underscores the importance of employing this method judiciously, particularly concerning the potential disruption of nighttime sleep from caffeine intake later in the day. He advocates for the tactical use of caffeine naps during times when an urgent boost is required. The episode wraps up by spotlighting various ways to maximize the effectiveness of a caffeine nap and sheds light on its potential advantages for athlete recuperation and prowess.

It's crucial to mention that Matt is not a licensed medical professional. Consequently, none of the content in this podcast should be perceived as medical guidance or advice in any capacity.

The good people at InsideTracker are one of the sponsors of this week's episode, and they are generously offering a special 25% off any one of their programs for anyone who uses the above link during the time window of this episode. InsideTracker is a personalized biometric platform that analyzes your blood and your DNA to better understand what's happening inside of you and offers suggestions regarding things that you can do to better try and adjust some of those numbers, optimize them, and, as a result, optimize you.

Also sponsoring this week are those fine people at Athletic Greens, and they are generously offering 3 benefits for anyone who uses the above link for their first order: 1) a discount on your order; 2) a one-year free supply of vitamin D; 3) five free travel packs. Athletic Greens is a nutrition drink that combines a full complement of antioxidants, minerals, and biotics, together with essential vitamins. Matt’s been using it for several years now because he’s serious about his health, and because he did his research on the science and ingredients in Athletic Greens and thinks its scientific data can be taken as ground truth.

As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you’d like to share, please reach out to Matt on Instagram.