Coffee before sleep reduces tiredness and boosts alertness, Greggs study says
Scientific research by Greggs found that tired workers may actually significantly benefit from drinking a cup of coffee before a quick power nap. The combination is found to heighten the impact of caffeine on the body – and will mean you wake up feeling more alert.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania found that consuming a coffee, then immediately taking a 20 minute power nap, maximised alertness and increased productivity.
The studies show that once caffeine enters the bloodstream and into the brain, it locks into adenosine, a chemical compound that induces drowsiness, and combines in the receptors, speeding up nerve cells. Sleeping naturally clears adenosine from the brain; therefore napping for 20 minutes will reduce levels of adenosine just in time for the caffeine to work.
To mark the launch of its newly extended coffee range at nearly 1,700 shops nationwide, leading food-on-the-go retailer, Greggs, set up a giant outdoor Nappuccino laboratory at Potters Field, London, to put the theory to the test with commuters and city workers.
Members of the public took part in the giant real-time ‘Nappuccino’ study – enjoying a freshly ground Greggs coffee followed by a 20 minute power nap in a specially designed giant coffee cup pod, complete with a bed, blankets, cushions, mood lighting and relaxing music.
Further research undertaken by Greggs found that it takes, on average; 4 hours and 38 minutes from waking for productivity to drop – and 1 in 10 people feel their productivity dropping even after one hour of waking.
It also found that Brits take two naps per week on average and a staggering 79% feel more productive and energised after a power nap or unscheduled rest.
However, only 7% say they had previously considered taking a post-coffee nap as a method of making the most out of their day.
NEW GREGGS COFFEE RANGE
Greggs is extending its coffee range with the introduction of a new flat white and an improved mocha, both priced from £1.75 and available at almost 1,700 shops nationwide.
Malcolm Copland, commercial director at Greggs, said: “As a nation of coffee lovers and fast-becoming a nation of coffee connoisseurs, we are delighted to introduce the new flat white and improved mocha to our existing coffee range.
“A freshly ground cup of coffee helps many of us feel more awake so we wanted to test the science behind the coffee power nap to help the British public feel more alert and be more productive.
Perhaps it’s only a matter of time before we see Nappuccino sleeping pods popping up across the rest of the UK.”
The newly extended Greggs coffee menu also includes espresso, americano, latte, and cappuccino.
