Peer-reviewed article

Effects of community-based daytime napping on cognitive performance and daytime functioning in adolescents with insufficient sleep - A field-based experimental study.

Chung Wai Ho, Ngan Yin Chan, Shirley Xin Li · 11 Aug 2026

Abstract

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Insufficient sleep among adolescents is common and linked to adverse cognitive, emotional and functional outcomes. While daytime napping has been proposed as a compensatory strategy, evidence from real-world settings remains limited and mixed. We conducted a field-based experimental study to investigate the impact of a 30-min lunchtime nap opportunity in a community setting on cognitive performance and daytime functioning in adolescents with insufficient sleep. METHODS: Secondary school students aged 12 to 18 with insufficient sleep (average nocturnal sleep <7 h over the past month and scoring ≥15 on the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale) were recruited. Participants (N = 111, 54% female, mean age 15.7 years) were randomly assigned to a Nap-group (30-min lunchtime nap opportunity at a youth centre nearby their schools, N = 56) or a Wake-group (30-min quiet wake-resting in the same setting, N = 55). Assessments of sleepiness, mood, and cognitive performance were conducted on the same day at baseline, immediately after the nap/wake period, and in the afternoon. Nap sleep was monitored by actigraph. RESULTS: Compared with the Wake group, the Nap-group reported significantly lower sleepiness, maintained positive affect, and demonstrated improved sustained attention. No significant between-group differences were observed for negative affect, inhibitory control, or emotional conflict control. Daytime nap did not negatively affect subsequent nocturnal sleep. CONCLUSIONS: A brief, community-based lunchtime nap can alleviate daytime impairments associated with insufficient sleep, without disrupting nocturnal sleep. Incorporating well-timed nap opportunities into school and community settings may represent a feasible, scalable strategy to support cognitive and emotional functioning in sleep-deprived youth.