3 Keys to a Beautiful Nap

Grabbing a short snooze can give you the lift you need to tackle the rest of your day -- physically and mentally -- but the perks don't stop there. Research suggests that napping benefits almost every aspect of human wellness, from lowering your risk for heart disease and repairing cells to lifting your mood and stamina to knocking down stress and making you more productive. All this can translate to living longer, staying more active, and looking younger.

What are the keys to being a power napper? Follow these three simple rules:

• Set aside 30 minutes total -- 10 minutes to fall asleep and 20 minutes for the actual nap. Use an alarm.
• Take off your shoes and get comfortable; try to nap in a reclined position on a couch or in your car (but be safe); avoid direct sunlight.
• Avoid napping past 3 p.m. If you nap too late in the day, you can disrupt your nighttime sleep.

Not a napper? Napping isn't for everyone, so see how it works for you.