Mr. Serious Presents: Car Nap Tips From a Pro

While doing a press junket to promote his latest film, actor Morgan Freeman was caught “resting his eyes” for a few seconds. The Now You See Me star didn’t just nod off, it looked as if he was in full blown REM sleep. The clip has gone viral, and it seems that everyone on the internet has something to say about it.

Including me.

Mr. Freeman, I have never been fortunate enough to be a part of the Hollywood machine (making movies, attending premieres, promoting the film) but if what most actors say is true, it is a lot of work! I wouldn’t dare compare what I do for a living (you making art, me sitting behind a desk for 40 hours a week) I do know that we both get tired. And I think I have the answer for your mid interview snooze.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, Naps can restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. A study at NASA on sleepy military pilots and astronauts found that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100% (sleepfoundation.org). A short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance.

I have found that taking a midday car nap keeps me focused and harnesses my creative juices for the rest of the day. A 20-30 minute cat nap might prevent you from getting a visit from the Sandman the next time Michael Caine decides to tell that old “Batman Begins” anecdote you hate.

Here are some tips on how to make your sedan a slumber station:

1. Seclusion is key to a peaceful rest. You don’t want to have to worry about someone walking by your car, peaking in, realizing it is you. An iPhone and internet connection later, TMZ  is reporting that you are homeless, living out of your Suburban. Do yourself a favor and park  as far away from the studio gates as you can.
2. Get comfortable! I take my shoes off while car napping. You might want to remove that thick wallet filled with cash from your back pocket. It will mess with your back alignment.
3. Crack open the windows! Southern California is known for its sunny skies and warm temperatures. Let that ocean breeze flow through!
4. White noise! Some people put on the radio and fall asleep to adult contemporary or classic rock. I suggest you find something that will bore the hell out of you, like the audiobook of “Battlefield Earth” or the latest UnderScoopFire podcast!
5. Set the alarm on your phone! I can’t tell you how many times I have rushed back to my desk after over sleeping! Wait. You know what? You are Morgan God Damn Freeman. No alarm should tell you when it’s time to awake! Enjoy your nap. The rest of the world can wait!
6. When you do wake up, ease yourself back into reality. If I have learned anything from daily car naps is that you need a 5-10 minute cushion before you are ready to function at 100% again. Your brain needs time to warm up. The last thing you want to do is to jump right back into an interview and sound like John Stamos on an Australian morning talk show. No one is going to believe it’s jet lag, Morgan!

Shawshank Redemption celebrates its 20^th anniversary next fall. You know damn well Warner Brothers is going to send you,  Tim Robbins and the rest of the cast out to tell old stories about what it was like to work with each other, and what the movies means to you, and” hope” and blah blah blah. You might want to start getting used to those mid day car naps now. I hate to see you doze off while Bob Gunton recounts what it’s like to be a prick in every movie he has been in.

Mr. Serious (@chapmanrunner) has been selling his whole life, nowadays he actually gets paid to do it. His long term goal is to retire young and spend his days watching old episodes of Saturday Night Live and tweeting about “the good old days”. He produces and edits the UnderScoopFire podcast.