In Praise Of Naps

Napping courtesy of marabuchi on Flickr

I just woke up from a Sunday afternoon nap, an indulgence I enjoy whenever I can. I’m refreshed, at peace and ready to work. I don’t restrict my indulging to weekends. The weekday nap has its place.

Based on what I hear from friends and colleagues, I’m not alone in my affection.

Everyone seems to have a ceremony around their nap. A special locale, blanket, attire, duration. Some luxuriate in bed, while I prefer my sofa. I definitely have my favorite blanket. It’s a hideous green, but soft. Folded in half, it’s just the right weight and warmth. Weight of the cover, by the way, is very important.

I love naps. If naps ran for president, I’d vote for them. Sometimes I take a nap right before bed. That way I’m well rested when I go to sleep.

I never nap in street clothes, always sweat pants and a tee shirt. In colder weather, a sweat shirt.

Europeans are huge nappers. I admire that.

Here’s the science on napping from Health Ambition. I’m definitely on the long end of the suggested duration and confess to many transgressions beyond the recommendation.

Away from home I have to make accommodations, like switching venue to the hotel bed. And I don’t travel with my blanket. But I see lots of (mostly) young people who travel with a favorite pillow. I’m sure they’re claiming comfort for a long drive or flight.

Really, they seek their nap in motion and aren’t yet comfortable admitting it.

Maybe you’re not a napper. If not, I hope you have (an)other indulgences you treat yourself to.

You’re worth it.

4 thoughts on “In Praise Of Naps

  1. Naps, huh? No, you’re absolutely right here, Tony…NAPS ARE GOOD! This article certainly cheered me up. Thanks for sharing this with the group! 😉

  2. Call it a siesta, and 2/3 of the planet agrees with that AND partakes of it knowingly and wilingly. So much for the grind of a long day huh?

  3. I’m a big nap fan. A late sleeper too. I always feel a twinge of guilt when I sleep but I ultimately am so much more rested and happier throughout the afternoon and evening. I also find my naps are partially “awake.” It is my time to debrief, decompress and plan. I wake up so much more productive.

    A nap or late sleep when the sun is shining through my window is such a treat. My guilt turns in to more of a “guilty pleasure” feeling. It simply feels like I got a well deserved reward and that happiness carries over to my chores or tasks.

    If I am not tired, I don’t fall asleep and pop up in five minutes. If you fall asleep, your body and mind needed it!

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