The OED dates the term power nap to 1980. The Google Books Ngram Viewer concurs, documenting more widespread use in the 1990s and the 2000s. Mischa Richter's cartoon from The New Yorker issue of August 17, 1987 may reflect the moment when the new phrase was coming into its own with the general public. After more than thirty-five years, Richter's original art was sold on eBay this past March for $114.50, making it something of a sleeper.
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| Power Nap Mischa Richter Original art The New Yorker, August 17, 1987, p. 23 |
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| Mischa Richter's signature |
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| Mischa Richter eBay item description as archived on Worthpoint |
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| Power Nap Mischa Richter Original art The New Yorker, August 17, 1987, p. 23 |
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| A spot drawing by Raymond Davidson and a cartoon by Mischa Richter |
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| Power nap Google Books Ngram Viewer |
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| Spot drawing of a florist shop Raymond Davidson |
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