power nap

American  

[pou-er nap] / ˈpaʊ ər ˌnæp /

noun

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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of power nap

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

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

“People who work from home are lucky because they can just go to their bed and take a nap. A 30-minute power nap is fantastic.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

If you have an opportunity to disengage at all, you take a power nap just so you don’t drive the engine off a cliff.

From New York Times • Sep. 27, 2015