power nap

[ pou-er nap ]

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of power nap¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

A cranky Donald Trump glared at New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman when he awoke from a courtroom power nap during his trial on Monday and found out that she had already informed the world that he had dozed off.

From Salon

“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

But the wandering reptile was discovered last week, seemingly having had a "power nap" at a nearby electricity substation.

From BBC

Some runners might grab a power nap outside the tunnel - and pray it doesn't rain.

From BBC

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