Napping is Amazing
I believe in the power of naps. When
I was a child I would fight the urge to close my eyes, knowing that I would
miss out on some great adventure. The inevitable nap was like time travel, I’d
wake to find myself in a new place hours after I had given in to the magnetic
pull of exhaustion. How I ended up in my bed after falling asleep in the
kitchen was a complete mystery.
When I became a youth, naps became
more of a survival technique. I am by nature a night owl, so getting up early
was particularly difficult for me. Naps became my partner in keeping me alert
and involved in my many academic pursuits. Some benefits of napping have been
stated by the National Sleep Foundation, “Naps can restore alertness, enhance
performance, and reduce mistakes and accidents. Naps can increase alertness in
the period directly following the nap and may extend alertness a few hours
later in the day. Napping has psychological benefits. A nap can be a pleasant
luxury, a mini-vacation. It can provide an easy way to get some relaxation and
rejuvenation.”1 I love the thought that a mini-vacation
is within my reach with twenty minutes of Zzzzzs.
As a mother I have found naps to be
a saving grace for my rambunctious children. When I notice that tell tale look in
their eyes, and the increased sensitivity in their reactions, I know it is time
for a nap. I can give them a little leeway for their sudden stubbornness or
grumpiness, because I understand how functioning on too little sleep can have
disastrous effects. As I put them down for their much needed slumber, I breathe
a sigh of relief and realize that now I can accomplish something around the
house without constant interruptions. That is a marvelous benefit of the power
of naps. Sometimes my children awake refreshed and raring to go, at other times
they need to cuddle until fully awake. I love that part.
In short, I believe that naps have the unique
ability to change people for the better. Whether it is through making someone feel
better, or helping you see the world a little clearer, naps have a power all on
their own and I, for one, am glad for it.
References:
1
National Sleep Foundation sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping/page/01
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