I started out wanting to call this post “addicted to sleep”, but the more I thought about it, I realised that it is more accurate to say, I’m addicted to naps.
I get an average of 7 hours’ sleep each night which is pretty normal. So it’s not night time that is the problem.
It’s the lull that comes after lunch.
It wasn’t always this way. Like most kids, I was made to have an afternoon nap. Back then I didn’t appreciate it – probably because my childhood bedroom was on the west side of the house and hotter than hades.
Addicted to Naps: how it all started
When I was about 16 however, I discovered that I actually *liked* napping. Over the years, there have been various medical reasons. Glandular fever when I was Year 12. Living with low iron levels.Β Depression. Hay fever in the days before I had the injections. (You know those “non-drowsy” medications? They’re lying because they ALL knock me out!).
I Must Confess: there is nothing in the world that I love more than an afternoon nap. To snuggle under a throw rug – it’s just so cosy. To relax and just think. To gradually drift off into a snooze, and that delicious feeling of floating away into dreamland.
I didn’t get to indulge my little addiction during the years I worked in an office (except on the weekends) – but now I work from home. All too often after lunch, the lure of the pillow is too strong and I am unable to resist. On the up side, after an hour I wake feeling refreshed and ready to tackle things again.
Miss Fleur is also partial to a daily nap or fifteen … π
Is being addicted to naps really such a bad thing after all? Maybe I should just accept that this is how I am, a person who needs an afternoon nap.
In the Mediterranean the afternoon siesta is part of their culture. They recognise that our bodies and minds are flagging by that time of the day, so they take a break after lunch, with many businesses closing for a couple of hours. So it’s not that I’m all that unusual, I’m just living in the wrong country!
Are you addicted to naps or is it just me?!
Linking up with My Home Truths.
Julia says
I would nap every afternoon if I could!
Janet Camilleri says
You are just a chip off the old block π
Raychael Case says
My sleep is all over the place right now, so I tend to nap when I get the chance which isn’t helping. Either is the coffee. Really need to do something though. It’s just after 6am here in Perth and I haven’t actually been to sleep. Luckily had a little sleep in (8:45am) yesterday. I’m not going to be able to function later today and I really need to be able to function.
Janet Camilleri says
It’s hard to know quite what to do – if you aren’t sleeping at night, it makes sense to have a nap. Except then you likely won’t sleep that night. Sigh ….
Lydia C. Lee says
I can’t do the nap thing – except in the first trimester of pregnancy. Only time in my life I could lie down at 1pm-3pm or 2-4pm….otherwise I just toss and turn so I don’t bother.
Janet Camilleri says
Yeah, I’ve heard of people like that. It’s never been me though!!!
Beth | AlmostPosh.com says
I don’t get to nap often but when I do, I go down hard. I fully believe integrating a dedicated nap time into our culture would improve performance!
Janet Camilleri says
Thank you Beth! I second the motion!!!!
Vanessa says
I have no napping skills π But I think there is merit for those who can do them.
Janet Camilleri says
Yes I’ve heard of people who just can’t nap. But I have never been one of them. I’m not sure whether I’m happy about this or not!!!
June Lennie says
I have an afternoon nap most days and have done for a while. Luckily I also used to work from home for many years. I think it’s good for your health to have a short nap if you’re feeling sleepy after lunch. The Spanish and Italians have the right idea!
Janet Camilleri says
Yup, I think so too June. We are just living in the wrong country! π
Ness says
Yup. I’m a napper these days. Never used to be though, so I guess I’m getting old! Like you say, it is refreshing so whatever works.
Janet Camilleri says
Exactly Ness! So I should stop feeling guilty about it π
Liz says
I don’t like to nap unless I’m super tired. I hate the feeling of waking up in the afternoon and I usually wake up drooling! Not a good look : )
However I love my night time sleep and like to go to bed early ish and wake up when my body tells me.(usually about 7am. ) Sleep is a blessing and I’m very happy to miss the sunrise π
Janet Camilleri says
Yup sunrise is definitely over-rated!!! π
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I do love the odd nap myself but sadly I don’t get the opportunity all that often. But when i do, I make the most of it!
Janet Camilleri says
I’m pretty spoiled to be able to indulge in a regular nap π
Kathy Marris says
I don’t mind an afternoon nap now and again. Sometimes I don’t sleep well and I get very tired so I often snatch an hour or so in the middle of the day to catch up on some shut eye. Sleep is such a wonderful thing.
Janet Camilleri says
It is! I’ve never understood those people that say we can sleep when we’re dead π .