Productivity Portfolio

I wouldn’t say I’m an insomniac, but to get a restful night’s sleep takes work on my part. After another series of sleepless nights, I was noticing decreased productivity in the afternoon. I set out to see what solutions might be available. I came across a company called Pzizz that had a hardware and software solution. I decided to test their software solutions.

The idea of a software life coach makes some people roll their eyes. I too was skeptical of a software package that said it could help me relax and sleep. Somehow I kept thinking of the early James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, where Telly Savalas plays Blofeld.

What’s a Pzizz?

Pzizz is an interesting name for a company. It is a derived word from “zizz” which in the U.K means a short nap. The company added the “P” for power. After doing three years of research on power napping, self hypnosis, and relaxation training, the company broke down the structure of effective power naps into components which the software assembles into unique audio files. These components are segments of music, sound effects and instructions from Michael Breen who is a Master NLP trainer.

Creating a Pzizz Power Nap File

The main software module is called the Energizer module. Optionally, you can purchase an add-on nap module designed for sleep. Although the underlying structure is the same, the intent and lengths are different. The default energizer power nap is 20 minutes and the sleep nap is 30 minutes.

Using the configuration panel, you can adjust the audio length, effects and mix of music and voice to suit your needs. You can also set the degree of voice instruction. Some people prefer not to have instructions where some like it at the beginning and end. This customization is essential since people have vastly different preferences. In the screen snap below, you can see I’ve added a custom energizer nap that is longer and uses stereo.

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Once you set your configuration, you can generate and play your nap from the pop up player. You can also export these power nap files as .MP3 files or AAC files. This export function makes it easier to take naps with you on a PDA or iPod when traveling.

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What will you hear

These audio files are a bit difficult to describe and each one differs. Each file is designed to put you in your desired state whether it’s the energizing power nap or getting you ready for sleep. Some sounds are easily identifiable such as rhythmic ocean waves. Other sounds seem computer generated and unique. Some remind me of something you might hear from the “Twilight Zone” television show. These might be the “binaural beats”. You hear a tone in one ear and then a slightly different tone in the other ear. At first, I didn’t like this and felt like I was consciously moving my eyes in response to the tones shifting from one ear to the other. Now, I don’t even give it a second thought.

I’ve been using the Energizer nap module for five weeks and have made it a habit to take these power naps. Each of my power napping sessions starts with a soothing male voice asking me to get comfortable. He instructs me to either tense every muscle in my body or to yawn and stretch. From there I hear a combination of waves and sound effects interspersed with instructions or reminders of the benefits of relaxation. Perhaps 5 minutes before the end, I hear instructions guiding me to a more awakened state. I’m asked to think about what I want to do the rest of the day and to stretch. The audio file ends with 5 beeps much like an alarm clock.

Effectiveness of Pzizz Power Naps

While I now look forward to these power naps, I wasn’t immediately convinced of the benefits. At first, I stayed fully awake for the 20 minutes. I perceived the biggest benefit was a 20 minute break from the computer. Gradually, I got more relaxed such that 10 minutes into the playback I couldn’t tell you what I was hearing.

Instead of artificially picking myself up in the afternoon with caffeine, I’ll generate an energizer power nap file. I now have a daily ritual when I feel that afternoon fatigue drift in. I’ll even take a nap when I don’t feel fatigued. I’ll put on my VoIP headphones, start the audio file and lie down on the office floor with one of those small dog bone pillows.

I haven’t had the same success with the sleep module. This has more to do with my sleeping arrangements. I don’t have a PC in my bedroom so I’ve been experimenting with my PDA and different headsets. I haven’t found a set of ear buds that are comfortable enough. I’m hopeful I can find a wireless Bluetooth set which is comfortable and doesn’t have too much sound leakage. The good news is my afternoon naps seem to make it easier for me to sleep at night.

If you find yourself stressed out or tired during the day, I’d suggest getting the free trial. You will need to provide an email address so Pzizz can provide the download link. The trial allows you 60 minutes of naps. Personally, I found the trial period too short, but I bought the product anyway and have no regrets.

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