Take a nap

I hate to break it to you but it’s because you’re getting old.

All post-prandial electromagnetic diurnal rhythmic causations aside, Dr. Barry Sears, biochemist and author of The Zone Diet, establishes the connection between the food your brain needs for optimum alertness and efficiency and the food one places in one’s mouth. Apparently, everything that goes down the gullet, which would include coffee, water, Altoids, Truffles, and Chocolate Mousse, triggers a specific hormonal response. Hormones control just about every function in your body, and in 1982 the Nobel Prize was given out to a couple of scientists who articulated the hierarchy of hormones, with two eicasinoids being crowned Kings of the Domain. One is a Good King, and the other is a Bad King, even though both are required to fog a mirror with your breath. In order to foster more of the Good King (leading to wonderful paintings), food must enter the mouth in a certain ratio (in grams) between protein, carbs, and fat. Otherwise the hormone that controls blood sugar levels, insulin, gets out of its comfortable ‘Zone’. Anytime we eat JUST carbs, our blood sugar levels spike (we feel grand) as we digest, and then it crashes (we need a nap) as the body finishes off the last of the sugars produced from the carbs. Again, there may be psychic, solar, lunar, and cosmic cycles that indicate for a nap, I don’t doubt this; however, I know for a fact that eating in the way Dr. Sears has outlined provides an even, optimum energy level throughout the day. I encourage everyone to investigate this man’s research and evaluate for yourself what happens at a cellular level whenever you eat or drink. Naps are nice, I’ll take one from time to time, but I’m not convinced they are necessary. Those who work desk jobs cannot always take a nap, but eating in a certain way eliminates the fatigue that occurs between lunch and quitting time. I’ve seen this in action, and I know it works.

I have to agree with Paula Green, Robert. I never napped before this last year but now, at 65, I’m beginning to see the wisdom of it. Like yours, my dogs think it’s just grand and why didn’t I wise-up sooner.

Turn off the ringer on your house phone!! No one needs to be available 24/7.

Thank you for this Robert, finally, documented proof that my post-lunch naps have been for a good cause.

Ahh, naps in the studio. When I suddenly feel the urge to lie down after standing at the easel, looking too hard, questioning, hemming and hawing, reading, writing, sketching or doodling, I realize that giving myself permission to lie down on the futon and close my eyes is the best way to recharge my creative energy. When I arise, I’ll often see the work in progress in a whole new way. And Theo agrees; it’s his favorite thing besides chewing on his bone under the desk. woof.

In one episode of the Dragon’s Den, an entrepreneur was offering those napping pads for company employees. Dragons chased the guy away saying that they would sue him if he ever approached companies that they invested in. This sleep on someone’s pay did not go well with venture capitalists.

Interesting that I should read this email just as I am getting started again after putting myself back to bed this morning! I am unable to actually fall asleep during the day but I find that if I just turn out the bedroom lights; close my eyes and breathe deeply (as if I were asleep) I can recharge my batteries. Now I’m off to paint!!!

Never been a napper. Now after 68 winters I am visited by involuntary naps as I sit working. Some times several minutes; sometimes just quick nods, one after the other. Eventually the brain is renewed and I go on.

Like you I am an early riser, usually around five when I usually feel ready to take on the world, I mostly paint but sometimes I work with clay or I cook. By10 a.m. I am ready for my first nap and often I awaken to my husband’s comment “you have only been gone fifteen minutes” but I feel refreshed and ready to go. Then after lunch off I go again, not so much because I am tired but because I need to calm my mind.

This letter on “Taking a nap” is special because I do take a nap almost every day after lunch. It’s a must for me since I get up early I need to take a nap after lunch. After I take a walk in the woods with Suki my little dog I’m ready to go back to painting or making sculptures….my energy is back. Since I’m 85 years old, yes I need a nap…. I’m glad to read this letter this morning Sept.24, I know that I’m doing right.

Power naps and pods have been popular for a while. Research shows that what Mednick et al say is quite correct. Wouldn’t we all like to own one of those pods though?

I totally agree! Naps are the best. Sometimes I find myself thinking I am hungry – even after lunch I think I need to eat more – and then I realize I just need a nap. I have a small couch in my studio, facing the large windows with a view of the sky. Sometimes I read a bit, but more often I just gaze at the sky and allow myself to drift. All electronic devices are silenced. I usually fall deeply asleep quickly and wake up 20-30 minutes later ready to work. In the business world they call it a power nap. In Spain they call it a Siesta. For me it is a creative re-boot, and, simply, needed rest. Great post- and hey, where can we get one of those pods?

I discovered the joy/need for napping while at university in the last century. After class ended at four o’clock, I dove under the covers in my dorm room and napped for 20 minutes. I awoke refreshed and ready to hit the books. Now, though, I find the post-prandial time-slot more appealing,as does Airedale Maggie.

I retired ten years ago and discovered the marvel of the afternoon nap. Bliss! The key is not to go beyond an hour and accept that when you’ll get up, you’ll be a little groggy. That will pass within ten minutes. Isolate yourself so you’re not disturbed, make sure you know what your next “work step” is going to be when you get up. Then, lights out! If you sleep longer than an hour, it’s because you’re really tired. You’ll have to review your sleeping habits. As to when to nap, that’s personal. Don’t fight the urge. Sometime late morning is good for me, but usually it’s mid-afternoon. I try to nap everyday. It brings back my energy. It makes easel-time less daunting.

Naps are king but 20 mins to an hour is a bit long. After an hour I just can’t wake up. 8 to 10 works for me. I use the timer on the phone and there is no laying down. Too hard to get back up. I have an “emergency napping chair” with a head rest. For an additional boost on wake up try some dark chocolate and/or caffeine just before shut eye.

I have been an inveterate napper most of my adult life and agree with the findings of the research. A nap is especially helpful when I have late afternoon or evening plans, as it does, as you noted, give me two days in one. Hooray for naps!

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I know several people who take a 15 minute nap, & some an hour, and it does rejuvinates you. Unfortunately I cannot nap – I sleep, and deeply with two to three hours later and I do not enjoy the waking up process, which is slow and very sluggish.

My son has narcolepsy, which he often has to explain to folks has nothing to do with an interest in cemeteries or dead bodies. He has to work where it’s not considered laziness to nap during the day. He’s smart, funny, wonderful, creative (classical piano), and works harder than the un-napped; but he’s underemployed because of his disorder and nap needs. Bravo for Google, Cisco and Procter and Gamble. Any employer who accepted this quirky, sometimes sleepy, dude would benefit greatly…are you listening Seattle?

I m also a napper and have been for years. I worked in an office environment for 30 years…an early riser, and after lunch could go into the “first aid” room and nap for 20 minutes. After I retired, still an early riser (4:00) I find myself needing a nap after lunch. My little Yorkie agrees. Wondering if it’s just us early risers…wondering about those that don’t get up early. I know it revives me…need to pay attention to my creativity level. Interesting.

I’ve been napping right after lunch for about a year now. I leave the office, go home, grab a quick bite of lunch, then nap for 20 to 30 minutes. Since starting this routine, I have never suffered from the sleepiness in the afternoon hours.

Every now and then you write something that I can really relate to. Today I will not feel guilty as I take those wonderful twenty winks.

As for naps…….I am a believer and always have been. I absolutely SINK after lunch and a nap is mandatory in this house. Nothing short of an hour is an official nap in this league. 90 minutes is considered a good POWER NAP. I am pushing 80 and not at all ashamed of being a napper. We get up at 6…..wife and I.

Naps are one of the best parts of the day. My inner clock is set for naptime every day at 1:30 p.m. I can feel myself shutting down and nothing will do but to go lie down and close my eyes. If I’m working on a painting it will appear on the inside of my eyelids and I will go over it in my mind, seeing the good and the bad of it. I then fall into a sort of drifting, dozing state for perhaps half an hour. The best naps are the ones when I waken with a vision of a brand new painting or composition in my head. I’m sure they come to me from somewhere in the Universe because my dreamlike state leaves my mind open.

I love to nap….I also feel energized when I meditate. But sometimes I fall asleep while doing that as well!

I agree with the creative juices getting lit coming out of sleep. Mine is usually in the middle of the night because I rarely allow myself the downtime, having a big family.

I have taken my daily nap for years, but I find if I sleep for longer than 30 minutes I feel awful and dull -so 15 to 30 minutes max for me.

I became a napper some time ago, following the lead of my neighbours who are 76 and 82. Right after lunch the cat and I go to bed for one half to an hour. She gets quite upset if we miss it! Meows and nags at me until we go and lay down.

Ha that’s interesting! I have indulged in this pastime for years. Even when I was teaching full time I would have a lunch nap on days I was not required for other activities. I have to confess it helped keep me sane while raising a young family. Now I have advanced to painting full time I find it essential to my

I can really relate to this. I’ve always found I’m a “morning person”, I can get up and go. My day starts around 5:30 am. I work very very hard all morning, very efficiently usually, but I find that after lunch, particularly around 2:30ish, I start to drop in energy (and want to sleep). I often meditate then. I find 20 minutes of TM refreshes the brain, and I’m energized for the rest of the afternoon and evening. If you aren’t a meditator, naps work too.

Yes, I do nap every day unless something gets in the way. Usually after lunch around 1:30 – 2:30 or even later before dinner at 6pm. I’ve been snoozing this way for about 40 years now. Sometimes when I awake, I don’t even know what day it is. The odd time I may use ear plugs for some outside noise. I do get up early in the morning around 5:15 am 3 days a week. I guess that is why I feel like a nap in the afternoon. The key here, is that I set an alarm timer for just 30 minutes . . . any longer and you have defeated the idea of a short nap and feeling like the start of a new day. Some friends tell me they feel groggy when they get up after a nap . . . that’s because they have slept too long . . . an hour usually. In 30 minutes I feel quite relaxed and ready for a few more hours of artistic creating, so to speak. Of course we are not all the same in this regard.

Loved the article on naps! Years ago when I was working at a local gift store doing personalizing, after lunch I just couldn’t stay awake..that would have been a perfect time for naps. It would have re energized all of us.

My husband Bruce and I are retired — so naps are now possible. My husband is able to lie back, close his eyes, and in five minutes he is asleep — sleeps for about 10 minutes, then wakes up feeling as if he has had a two hour nap — and goes on. Sometimes he does this several times a day. He calls them “power naps” — and loves them.

Yes, naps are in my roots from of old. I find that green tea with a few pieces of dark chocolate work much better as a pick me up rather than another coffee, instantly refreshing the mind for the second part of the day’s work; allows one to have more awake hours in the evening and still rise early, knowing there is always another nap and book waiting tomorrow afternoon.

When I asked an artist friend of mine how he dealt with problematic paintings he told me his approach. “I take my paintings to bed with me. I set the work up at the foot of my bed. Its the last thing I see before I close the lights and the first thing I see when I wake up. In the quiet , soft vision of morning I usually see what I need to do next.”

I’m a bit of a late starter in the studio. I get there my noon, work for three or four hours and then home and off to bed! By then I am so completely exhausted by the painting process, I can hardly keep my eyes open. One hour, and I pop up like a Jack-in the-Box! However, that is it for the day. Next day, same thing. Maybe I’m just getting older.

I too take a nap every afternoon after lunch. It’s a big help to me mentally..and physicaly.

A 30-40 minute nap is an excellent investment. I find it makes me more alert, and for a longer period. And I need less sleep during the night. Longer naps seem to take too long to recover from. I am 66; this may not apply to the younger crowd.

I read the current letter with a smile after having just awakened from a nap. I have always found naps not only to be useful, but often inescapable. That postprandial dip is probably the reason why siesta societies evolved. Even when I worked in a university office, I took a blanket to work and would just lie down on the floor, spend 10 or 15 minutes sinking into sleep, having a quick dream and rising back up out of sleep totally refreshed and raring to go. I credit my catnaps with allowing me to get by with an average of six hours of sleep, and as you say, I feel as though I have two days in one.

Absolutely….. I need my nap…. It effects my sense of humor more than anything…….. It is still referred to as my “Disco nap” so I guess that dates me…….

I take a 30 minute “brain charger” regularly, which includes 5 minutes for deep breathing and settling in and 5 minutes for waking up, around 2PM after lunch, before I go to my studio to paint. The morning is taken up with non-creative art and personal stuff. The siesta helps me change gears from the mundane to the creative.

I feel deep appreciation for your emails. Also for your art, that is how I found you.

I was raised a good mid-western fellow, rise early work long and sleep early. The chicken routine it was called.

I’ve been taking naps for many years, and I agree with all of what you say. It becomes possible to give the same in-the-moment attention to tasks in the later afternoon and evening as those in the morning.

It would be worthwhile to answer the question, “Why am I tired midday?” There is a physical side that affect the need for naps: poor diet, sleep apnea (naps are one symptom), or just age. That goes beyond a simple power nap in the recliner. Do I need a new mattress, a better pillow, cooler room, let hubby snore in the other bedroom?

I’ve just read your letter about afternoon napping. I’ve been doing that for the last 20 years (I’m 47 now) and I can’t tell you how beneficial it is. I’ve had to defend my napping to countless people who have told me that I was just being lazy…but the amount of work/studies/projects that I get done on a regular basis astounds them. Strange that they don’t see a connection. Napping in the afternoon energizes me and I can do meaningful work (whether it involves children, housework, business, or being creative) right up to late evening. No vegging in front of the TV at night for me – I’m out and about, or painting, reading, writing, walking – because I have the energy.

I have printed this article and left it with my better half. She admires your work and enjoyed the time we spent with you. This means that you have credibility! With credibility comes justification for what she once regarded as unpardonable sloth! I owe you a debt of gratitude in the form of a bottle of single malt should we cross paths again.

Shut the phone off! We live in an age where that is possible. I take full advantage of it to protect my space and provide my sanctuary with a bit more peace. I find my rest to be more complete. We come from a generation who didn’t have a choice and ran to the phone like robots when it rang. I thank the new technology for this particular choice. I also don’t have the phone on while I’m in the studio, unless I’m waiting for a specific call. It provides a deeper, more profound experience in the creative zone.

Interesting how life’s experience can put things into perspective. I’ve always been a big fan of naps but when I was younger I used to feel guilty about taking them since there were so many things I wanted to accomplish and not enough time available, or so I thought. Now that I am older and definitely on the descending portion of life’s curve, I don’t seem to be in a hurry anymore and naps are frequent treats. I’ve had many successes in life, both internal and external as well as several failures and disappointments. I’ve battled serious illness and yet when I look back I see that I’ve been able to achieve things I had never even dreamed of. I don’t know what the future holds for me but I certainly do know that naps are a part of it as well as a desire to calmly continue to explore new horizons. I am approaching my 10,000 hours at the easel and it feels good. Life is sweet.

One thing about financial independence and being your own boss is that you can take a nap when you feel like it.

I am a big proponent of naps. I consider it “my hobby”. I still have a day job as the office manager of a private mental health practice. I often come home drained, take a nap, awake refreshed and work happily and intently for three – four hours. I just have to be careful I don’t stay up too late.

You seem to always hit on topics that have so much importance in my life.

I, too, have found a nap is a wonderful way to take a break from the studio and come back with a refreshed perspective and lots more energy to solve problems.

For over 30 years I took noon time naps before going to the afternoon office. I would often exercise at the Y for about 60 minutes-then take a 20 min or so nap-3 times a week. If I didn’t exercise I would nap mostly at home (without a clock) for 20-45 minutes and then go to office (5 days a week). Only over-napped once in over 30 years. Did this from 1952 to 1986 when I retired from my medical practice. Still take naps in retirement. Now enjoy watercolor painting and still taking workshops.

My body tells me to take a break. If I’m too tired I can’t function. I feel my eyes dropping and I have the ability to close my eyes sitting and fall asleep for 20 minutes to half an hour. Sometimes I say to myself, I should really lie down, but when I get up to do it, then I am fully awake and cannot do it. Then I can continue to do what I interrupted before.

I use to live in Italy on an exchange when I was 18. They of course have a long standing tradition of taking a nap or a “siesta” in the afternoon. Coming from Canada to Italy, I thought that this was a good excuse to be lazy. As I grow older and a little wiser I suppose, the nap idea hits a chord. Life is busy and a midday nap is as good medicine as meditation.

Yes! I love naps! I would take one every day if I could. At work I go into a convenient empty office, put my feet up and put the chair back and sleep for a half an hour or so. I wake up very refeshed and lighter feeling. Sometime I sleep in my car. Happy naping!

In a recent BBC News report 3 to 5 year olds in day care were tested and it was found that those who took an afternoon nap performed better not only that afternoon, but the effects lasted into the following day. It seems that the nap was found to allow them to retain 10% more of their learning than those children that did not take a nap.

When younger we do not need the same naps, when very young we need many naps, and when very old we sleep at the “drop of an eyelid (hat?). After lunch is common, but not for everyone; some may have different times. As a doctor I thought you might appreciate confirmation of your post. I read all your posts eagerly, and I appreciate your classical quotes–part of my mandatory schooling. (On a different note… Does your wife know that you and someone called Dorothy sleep together in the spare room?).

I like being with people then I like working alone. In college, I took a 20 minute cat nap after my kid came home. It felt good. I stopped taking those naps because I work late on writing for a cause.

I’m a doze-in-the-chair napper and you are right, a quick shut eye is a huge help to the rest of the day. In the studio, I generally work standing up. When I decide to sit and contemplate what I’ve just painted, the thing I really need to do is snooze. My great-grandmother held a pencil in her hand and it would drop and wake her up when she dozed off. She claimed that was all the rest she needed and I think she is right.

We’ve been setting the timer for 30 mins for the last few years and having a power nap. It IS better if we have it right after lunch as later in the day wrecks your sleeping at night and often makes us “loggy”.

When I was in Montissori we used to take naps and I missed it in grade school and high school. Now in University where times are more open I go to my dorm after lunch, put my feet up, read a bit and often snooze. We are not allowed to have dogs.

I sleep at least eight hours a night. Therefore I don’t need to sleep during the day and waste precious daylight hours. No-one can paint in artificial light and be sure of getting colours right!

I am a pianist and piano teacher, and have always needed to work evenings. I sometimes run out of energy in the late afternoon, and have always found naps wonderfully restorative and relaxing. The phone goes off and the alarm is set- sometimes for as little as 30 minutes. ( Very often I awaken spontaneously). I then face my students or rehearsal partners with renewed optimism and much greater energy. My Russian piano teacher – a famous and busy pianist- would awaken early, practise for a few hours( the very best time to practise) and then go back to bed. When she arose the second time, there was another fresh session ahead of her. Two mornings! She loved it!

Never mind the apple a day, it’s that afternoon nap that keeps the doctor away – and keeps me balanced.

Most of my adult life I have benefited from naps. When I was working, as a busy RN, I felt my afternoon productivity would be really improved after a post lunch nap..did not happen, my breaks were only enough time to eat, which I needed more. When I had children and worked afternoon shift, I only managed to stay alert and on the ball if I had a nap before I left for work. The ability to do this developed then. Now I am no longer working I often do the crossword with my lunch, fall asleep when I get stuck and finish it when I awake…my mind can seek solutions while I sleep. I always regretted that the jobs I had did not allow time to nap.

I was very happy to read this letter. I’m a big believer in the after-lunch nap preceded by a short read of a current novel…. but if I dip too low and stay asleep too long, I awake feeling groggy and slightly drugged. An hour is the absolute limit. To help protect myself from this important private re-balancing time I’ve learned to turn off the phone so I don’t get disturbed I’ve always admired the European culture and the way they set up their schedules…. work till 1 or 2… shut everything down and re-open at 5. Very wise! However, in North American people don’t know how to pace themselves, and are slaves to a pretty outdated work-ethic. (more and more retail outlets are beginning to open on Christmas day, which was in some senses, the only day that the world was quiet!!!) I also believe that meditation (even for 5 minutes) is so important too…. it not only resets the brain, it actually changes it (in a good way)… slowing down unruly neurotic thinking.

Merlin, Pippin, Frodo and I call this a power nap, very restorative and nurturing. xo.

I love this one! I am a napper and find that it does get problems solved and lets in new ideas. I really need a nap to sort of change gears at times. If I go to town for errands, I find that napping re-sets my brain. I had not tried it for going back to my art. Thanks for the suggestion. I do have a friend who naps after her long morning of painting. I will send this to her.