The Joy And Benefits Of The Afternoon Nap.

Posted: March 9th, 2009 | 8 Comments »

For as long as I can remember, I never took naps. I always thought they were a waste of a perfectly good afternoon when I should be out doing…something. Anything. Napping was for people who had nothing better to do other than sleep in the middle of the day. However, over the last couple of months or so, I have changed my tune on the occasional afternoon siesta. Now, I am doing my best to actually try to take one a few times a week even if only for a few minutes. It gives me some time to think about things, reflect on how my week has been so far, and then wake up to make my afternoon more purposeful. Waking up refreshed gives me some motivation to do some of those things I put off like the laundry! I realize that many of you have young children, which can seriously hamper your ability to get in a few ZZZ’s in the afternoon; some of my friends are in the same boat and can barely get sleep at night never mind in the afternoon. But if you can and you have the time, I highly recommend laying on the couch some Saturday afternoon and giving it a try. Some of the health benefits of napping include:

  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Increased Alertness
  • Mood Improvement
  • Increased Cognitive Abilities
  • Good For Your Heart

So what about you? Do you nap? Do you feel that it helps you? Napping has become part of my meditative work, and I certainly feel the difference after I take one. But one thing I can advise to those of you thinking of taking a nap – don’t take one too close to bedtime, as you might have trouble getting to sleep for the night!

Related posts:

  1. Too Busy Getting Ready To Live, But Never Living.
  2. On Taking A Few Minutes Before Getting Out Of Bed.
  3. There Is A Reason People Come To The Country To Relax.


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8 Comments on “The Joy And Benefits Of The Afternoon Nap.”

  1. 1 Emily@remodelingthislife said at 7:34 am on March 9th, 2009:

    This is so funny. Yesterday, I was at my parents’ house and my mom was outside playing with my daughter. My son was napping. I went in and laid down with him and the next thing I knew, I was waking up an hour later. I haven’t napped in so long and it felt so good. I was going to blog about what a simple pleasure it is. Sometimes, instead of scurrying around “doing” things while I have free time, just giving in and resting is more beneficial.

  2. 2 Beth @ Smart Family Tips said at 8:10 am on March 9th, 2009:

    I often try to take a nap when my kids do. I used to think I “had” to get all sorts of things done while they were sleeping, but sometimes napping is a better use of my time. I wake up more refreshed and with more energy to play with the kids and to get my “stuff” done.

  3. 3 Kristen said at 8:13 am on March 9th, 2009:

    I don’t nap very often. I usually don’t have time for naps. But, I also seem to have a hard time falling asleep at night if I take a nap, even earlier in the day. If I’m really tired I just try to go to bed early that night unless I just can’t keep my eyes open.

  4. 4 SavvyChristine said at 11:39 am on March 9th, 2009:

    How appropriate that you posted this today, the day after we turned our clocks forward. I could use a nap today, or just fifteen minutes to rest my eyes. We should convince the government to encourage nap-time like in preschool. Wishful, thinking….

  5. 5 David said at 12:24 pm on March 9th, 2009:

    SavvyChristine – I am with you on that one!

  6. 6 Cortney said at 2:17 pm on March 9th, 2009:

    Every Saturday at 2:00. I love to nap. I believe it is the best part of my week. It makes the day feel decadent and refreshes my overloaded mind.

  7. 7 Enrique S said at 2:41 pm on March 9th, 2009:

    I love taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Even 20 minutes is enough to recharge the batteries. This probably stems from pulling all-nighters when I was in college, and getting only an hour’s worth of sleep.

  8. 8 Sue said at 12:54 pm on April 6th, 2009:

    My mom always took a nap with me when I was little. I remember it being a bonding experience and I loved getting to sleep in the “big bed” in my parent’s room. I have a six week old, so I am basically only getting to sleep in naps right now…even at night! :)

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