Michelle Woodworth

Ah, another one of those cruel ironies in life. Kids have all the time in the world to take naps but don’t want to slow down and adults would love to slow down and take naps but don’t have the time to spare. And what would your co-workers think if they found you reclined in the front seat of your car sleeping your lunch hour away?

So here’s the thing. Napping really is good for you. Research shows that a mid-day sleep can actually mean less stress, greater productivity, and better health. Studies also show that a 20 minute afternoon nap is more restful than an extra 20 minutes of sleep in the morning. With those statements in mind and the fact that taking a nap just feels good, you should be encouraged enough to want to squeeze a nap in at least a couple days a week. Dr. Andrew Weil tells us that people who embrace afternoon napping generally enjoy better mental health and better quality nighttime sleep. Though our North American culture generally opposes the concept of napping and bombards us with constant stimulation, Dr. Weil gives us five things to consider:

1. Accept napping as a positive thing. Remind yourself frequently that napping can make a day more productive – it is actually the opposite of being lazy.
2. Do not fight the body’s desire to nap. This will result in unpleasant or unproductive naps.
3. Take naps when you can. If your schedule does not permit a nap every day, consider taking productive naps as a passenger in cars, trains, and airplanes.
4. Consider time and duration. Napping for too long, too often, or at the wrong time of day can be counterproductive.  See what length and schedule works best for you.
5. Napping can mean just taking a break. Lying on a hammock or just staring into space is the essence of rest – it is not doing that refreshes you in body and mind.

A couple more things to keep in mind before you put your head down on your desk:  keep afternoon naps between 15-30 minutes – any longer is harder to wake up from, if you can’t (or don’t want to) sleep – try meditation, and if you are worried about sleeping too long – set an alarm.

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Michelle Woodworth
Thinking I can fit in a nap before getting my boy from school . . .