Why naps equal happiness
I love naps. Naps are the most underrated activity in the world. Now that my naps are limited to about one a week, I am grateful for every second of daytime sleep that is awarded to me.
Morning naps are great. If you’ve never had one, here’s what you do: get up at the normal time or maybe even a little early. Drink some coffee if it doesn’t tend to keep you up for long and eat some breakfast. Watch a little TV, check your e-mail, do a little reading, then go back to bed. The morning nap’s optimal length is two hours. Try to wake up in time for lunch. If you miss lunch, you probably didn’t need it anyway so go straight for the afternoon snack.
Afternoon naps are the most natural naps. We’re wired to snooze in the afternoon. You get that little lull in the mid-afternoon and you go for a soda or grab a sticky bun when you should just go to bed. An afternoon nap can be a fifteen-minute snooze or a one hour sleep. Any more than that and you run the risk of spending your evening in a complete daze.
If you still go to bars, the evening nap is a wonderful tool for your social success. Go to bed about 7:00, get up about 9:00, eat some dinner and go out and kick it. It will help carry you to last call.
Weather can play a part in your napping ability. If you can’t sleep when the sun is bright, invest in some room darkening shades. Though it will adequately block all sunlight, do not cover your windows in aluminum foil. Your neighbors will think you’re a meth head. Rainy days are best for naps. When it’s overcast and rain is falling on the windows, a nap is as natural as breathing.
Daytime noise can definitely be a problem. Car alarms, kids playing outside, your neighbor’s TV, barking dogs, the phone ringing because you’re supposed to be at work, etc. can ruin your chances while you strive for the snooze. This is where ear plugs come in handy. The squishy kind that you roll and insert in the ear work the best.
The most important thing is to enjoy your nap without guilt. Every moment of naptime sleep should be appreciated for the sheer indulgent joy it produces. Seize the day and take a freaking nap!
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This, Penni, this is a beautiful thing. Almost thou persuadest me to get some friggin’ sleep once in a while.
Do it! It will improve your quality of life.
I do love a good afternoon nap, but man, afterwards I’m all groggy and confused for the rest of the day. I’m not saying it isn’t worth it, but THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY.
Naps are my SWORN ENEMY. I understand that other people enjoy them, but traditionally, all I get out of naps is sweaty hair and an attitude problem.
I hope others take nap tips, though! A well-rested populace can only be that much closer to world peace!
When we were on vacation last August, Alyx and I took two naps each day.
It was heaven. Heaven.
Two naps a day… oh to dream the impossible dream.