A power nap, in case you didn't know, is a short period of sleep. This used to be called a catnap. The new term was apparently coined by Cornell University social psychologist James Maas, for any short nap specifically designed to refresh you. "Designed" is the right word, because not just any sleep will work. Although the research shows that napping benefits heart functions, hormonal maintenance and cell repair, to get the refreshing aspect you need to keep it short - generally under 25 to 30 minutes.