Caffeine and sleep may seem like polar opposites, but combining them may offer benefits.
“Nappuccinos” have become a popular way to optimize sleep by drinking a caffeinated beverage before taking a nap, helping people wake up with more energy.
On a recent episode of Stephen Bartlett's podcast, Diary of a CEO, Dr. Sheri Mar, a sleep expert in Redwood City, California, introduced the napuccino as “a useful tool for increasing alertness and performance in moderate amounts.”
Rare sleep disorder causes people to cook and eat in their sleep
To make a nappuccino, Ma says you need to drink your favorite caffeinated beverage before taking a 20- to 30-minute power nap.
Caffeine starts to work within 15 minutes of ingestion.
Nappuccinos are made to give you a caffeine boost before your afternoon nap, helping you wake up more energized. (iStock)
“If you can fall asleep within the five to 10 minutes that the caffeine starts to kick in, it should be kicking in when you wake up 20 to 30 minutes later,” she says.
A Stanford University study found that going to bed after this time could lead to poorer mental health.
Studies have shown that the energy gained from both caffeine and a power nap is “more effective at increasing alertness and performance for several hours” than just drinking caffeine or just napping, Ma said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Ma for further comment.
“By the time you wake up from your nap (20-30 minutes), the caffeine will start to kick in.”
Dr. Kelly Baron, a clinical psychologist and director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Institute at the University of Utah, called Nappuccino “a really incredible, scientifically tested technology.”
Click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter
“Having some caffeine and then taking a short nap is better than either one alone,” she told Fox News Digital.
“By the time you wake up from your nap (20-30 minutes), the caffeine will start to kick in.”
Sleep experts agree that consuming caffeine and taking a short nap is “better than either one alone.” (iStock)
Baron noted that the method has been tested on specific activities such as driving performance and shift work.
“A short nap, with or without caffeine, is a proven technique to enhance performance in people who feel sleepy,” she said.
Feeling hungrier than usual? Experts say your sleep schedule could be to blame
While getting the standard seven to nine hours of sleep a night is ideal, experts say that can be difficult for some people.
“Drinking coffee with lots of sugar or high-calorie creamer could negate some of the health benefits,” warned one expert. (iStock)
Ilana Murstein, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and nutritionist, agreed that a napuccino can be a “great strategy for increasing alertness,” but noted that it's also important to consider how you brew your coffee.
“Drinking coffee with lots of sugar or high-calorie creamer could offset some of the health benefits,” she says.
Click here to get the FOX News app
“Too much sugar can cause energy spikes and crashes, countering the energy-boosting effects of a nap or caffeine.”
Muhlstein recommended drinking coffee black or adding milk, plant-based milk, or a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
If you want to try the “nappuccino,” one nutritionist says, stick to black coffee or coffee with regular or plant-based milk, a zero-calorie sweetener and a pinch of monk fruit. (iStock)
“This way you can enjoy the benefits of a napuccino without the drawbacks of extra sugar and calories,” she said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most healthy adults.
For more health stories, visit foxnews.com/health
Consuming large amounts of caffeine may cause side effects in some people, so consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
