Happiness 101 (previously published as When Likes Aren't Enough): Simple Secrets to Smart Living & Well-Being

by Tim Bono

However, if you do find yourself waking from a nap in a state of inertia, a few strategies can help reduce the effect and restore a state of alert wakefulness. Expose yourself to bright lights—especially natural sunlight if it’s available. Wash your face with cold water—it has been shown to counteract grogginess. If you can plan ahead, try drinking coffee or consuming other sources of caffeine five minutes before your nap. Yes, that’s correct! It takes about some time for caffeine to have its alerting effect, so it won’t prevent you from falling asleep, but it will kick in before your nap extends into the deep sleep stages that lead to inertia.