How much sleep is “sixty breaths”?[1]
Some Poskim[2] rule that sixty breaths is the equivalent of more than three hours. Others[3] rule it is slightly more than three minutes. Others[4] rule it is less than a minute. Others[5] rule it is slightly more than thirty minutes. Practically if one slept for over a half hour he is to wash his hands with a blessing upon awakening [past midnight].[6] If one slept for less than a half hour he is to wash hands without a blessing.[7]
[1] Shaareiy Teshuvah 4:10; Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 1; Kaf Hachaim 4:55
Opinion of Admur: From Admur in the Siddur it is evident that 60 breaths is a short amount of time being that he defines a nap [temporary sleep] as being more than 60 breaths.
[2] Tiferes Tzevi [brought in Shaareiy Teshuvah ibid] based on that the Arizal slept 3 hours during the day despite being careful not to sleep for 60 breaths.
[3] Rameh Mepuna [Alfasi Zuta Perek Hayashein]
[4] Chayeh Adam 7:8 writes it is equivalent to the amount of time it takes to walk 100 Amos. This is approximately 1:67 of an hour. [Ketzos Hashulchan ibid]
[5] Machazik Bracha in Kuntrus Achron brought in Shaareiy Teshuvah ibid; Kitzur SHU”A 2:8; As the 60 breaths refer to the 60 breaths of a horse which takes approximately 30 minutes.
[6] So concludes Ketzos Hashulchan ibid; Kitzur SH”A 2:8; As this is the average opinion brought in the Shaareiy Teshuvah.
[7] As it is proper to be stringent like all opinions. [Ketzos Hashulchan ibid]