power nap

American  

[pou-er nap] / ˈpaʊ ər ˌnæp /

noun

• power naps
  plural

1. a brief sleep during the day, taken for the desired effect of improving one’s alertness and ability to work efficiently throughout the remainder of the day.

   The only thing I have left to do before the presentation is to take a 20-minute power nap.

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verb (used without object)

1. to take a brief sleep during the day in order to improve one’s alertness and ability to work efficiently throughout the remainder of the day.

   Since he started power napping, his midafternoons have become much more productive.

power nap British  

noun

1. a short sleep taken during the working day with the intention of improving the quality of work later in the day

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• power naps
  plural

Etymology

Origin of power nap

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

power nap

Dr Aziza sorts fact from fiction, explains when a daytime snooze could be a warning sign, and whether an espresso really helps you nail the perfect power nap.

From BBC ● May 4, 2026

“Keep naps short and sweet. A power nap of 20-30 minutes can renew attention span and refresh the body,” the Napping Page advised.

From Washington Times ● May 16, 2023

If I can’t keep my eyes open, I take a short power nap, so I can still sleep that night.

From New York Times ● Sep. 2, 2022

“It is not like you can take a power nap and wake up with a solution right away,” Oudiette says.

From Science Magazine ● Dec. 7, 2021

The power nap is the ultimate work-from-home perk, but it’s all too easily jeopardized by a neighbor’s leaf-blowing or a roommate’s noisy Zoom.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2021