To Nap or Not To Nap

Hello, gentle readers!

Do you nap? I know, it’s a strange topic, but it’s one that’s been on my mind recently.

You see, I’ve never been a “napper”. When I was younger, my days went from rising, usually before the break of dawn, to after midnight, with no breaks in between. I never closed my eyes. There was always too much to do (still is).  

Things have changed though. I’m much older and the thought of a nap is very appealing. And I have indulged.

There are two types of naps (in my mind, at least). The unintentional (Did I just fall asleep? How did that happen?) and the intentional (as in, Oh my gosh! I really need a nap!) or power nap.

Let me explain the difference. I recall my grandfather nodding off on the couch, sitting up, his arms folded across his chest, his chin dipping closer and closer to his chest with each passing moment. I found it amusing and kinda funny. Now? Not so much, especially when I catch myself doing it (but a little differently than he did). Yes, my arms might be crossed over my chest, but my chin doesn’t dip. No, not all. Instead, my head drops back to the couch cushion and my mouth will be wide open (the better to emit the most wall-paper peeling snores to the world…yes, I have woken myself up and scared the dogs). This is an unintentional nap, one that wasn’t expected or particularly wanted (but obviously needed). Really! I was only going to sit down for a minute.

The intentional or power nap is a whole different story. You are saying to yourself “Yes, I want to close my eyes and take a break…need a little more sleep, you know?” Those times, I’ll stretch out on the couch (only the couch…I never nap on my bed…don’t know why…maybe because I can lay on my stomach on the couch with my arms cradling my head). I like this kind of nap because it only lasts about 20 minutes or so (until my arms start hurting, which is what wakes me up). I feel refreshed at that point. Anything longer than that, and I’m groggy and pretty worthless (not to mention sore) for the rest of the day.

I know people in my day job who go out to their cars at lunch time and take that 20 or 30 minute power nap. I have not tried this, but you know, I can see where it has its benefits. It seems to do the trick…they all come back to their desks, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, as my mother used to say, ready to put in their next four hours or so of work. I might try it one of these days (but will definitely wait for cooler weather).

Until next time, remember to spread kindness wherever you go and take that nap if you want to.  

Marie