I know I am on the verge when I begin to lose focus. I can be reading lines of an article online or a paragraph in a book when I notice I’ve read the same sentences over and over without comprehending anything. Then I begin to notice my eyelids getting heavier along with my arms and legs. And when my mouth involuntarily opens wide and I inhale deeply and feel a release upon my exhale, I know one thing. I am drowsy. If I experience this at night, it’s time to turn out the light and bid the day adieu. But if it’s midday, it’s time to head to a comfy cozy chair for a short respite, a brief pause, a little cat nap.
From my journal: April 26, 1999, Fountain Hills, Arizona
“Have class and lab tonight…will go eat lunch, nap, then do some school work before heading out…”
I’ve always been a Nap Fan. Whether snagging some shut eye on an early weekday afternoon when I went to school at night, or grabbing a few winks on a weekend when I worked full-time, or now resting at my leisure, a nap has always been one of my guilty pleasures. But should I really feel guilty about taking one? I mean parents and grandparents welcome (and sometimes beg or bribe!) their little ones to succumb to one. Why should it be different for adults? Doesn’t everyone deserve a little downtime now and then?
Research studies have shown that yes, naps can be beneficial for all ages. Any short period of rest that occurs in the day is considered a nap. Taking a brief snooze can increase brain performance, boost awareness, and reduce stress. It’s good for your heart too. Folks who regularly close their eyes for a while during the day a few times a week reduce their risk of heart disease. Naps can improve moods and take us away from the hustle and bustle of life and allow us to relax for a while. A little extra sleep can also help us be more productive, enhance our memories, and reduce fatigue.
Giving myself permission to take a nap lets me know I am tuning in and paying attention to what I need and when. If something is niggling at me, this pause gives me a chance to brainstorm solutions in a calm manner. If I am working on a project, this space allows ideas to flow freely. And sometimes a rest just gives me room to breathe.
The idea of napping is not new. It’s a long-time worldwide practice. Going back to 700 B.C. the Ancient Greeks used to doze off during the hottest part of each day. Ancient Roman doctors once prescribed naps to patients for their well-being. And the Spanish are still known for taking their midday siestas.
Even so, there are a few things to keep in mind before you lay your head down to rest. Napping should be enjoyed at least 8 hours before you retire for the night. Otherwise, it may interfere with your overnight sleep. For most people the cut off time is 3 p.m. Also, a nap should be short, 20 to 30 minutes is optimal. Anything over an hour can leave you feeling groggy.
Napping is thought to be so beneficial, there’s a day dedicated to it! Created in 1999 by a Boston University professor, William Anthony Ph.D. and his wife Camille, their goal was to promote the importance of getting enough sleep. The date of this unofficial holiday happens to be the Monday after Daylight Saving Time begins. Having posted on DST recently, I mentioned that losing just one hour can leave us feeling tired and can have detrimental consequences. If you celebrated National Napping Day, I hope it left you feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and renewed. Me? I have to admit, I missed it. I guess I must have been busy…napping.
A Journal Journey 