The Fine Art of Napping
An interesting start to my day: I had to corral and chase an opossum out of the building this morning. You never quite know what will happen day to day.
I was working on a newsletter for my teachers and found some writing about naps. I thought you might enjoy reading it:
Every physiologic function of the human body undergoes a diurnal variation, meaning that it phases and fluctuates throughout the day. This is true for the sleep/wake cycle—not only at bedtime but at midday as well. After lunch our biorhythms experience a natural slump, as a mild somnolence intrudes on our wakefulness.
These slumping biorhythms can be resisted with caffeine and stimulation. But throughout history, many cultures have instead treated this natural somnolence as a nonthreatening occurrence. Rather than kicking against it, they have accommodated this dip by developing the culturally accepted habit of napping, the idea of taking a siesta.
Many of the world’s greatest leaders were nappers. Thomas Edison is said to have catnapped up to eight times a day. John F. Kennedy napped in the White House, and Winston Churchill took daily naps even during World War II. No doubt Jesus Himself napped. For example, when the boat was being buffeted by the wind and the waves, Jesus was sleeping in the bow. The disciples first had to awaken Him before begging for a miracle.
Naps can be revitalizing, adding energy and productivity for later in the day. If you have the opportunity and need to nap, it is best to follow certain guidelines. Don’t nap for more than one hour. If you do, understand that a longer nap is not necessarily more restful. Even a nap of fifteen minutes can help to improve alertness and concentration and, to some extent, make up for a disturbed or shortened night of sleep.
The most useful naps are in the afternoon. A short nap in the early evening can give added stamina for the hours ahead.
There is an Indian proverb that says, "Only amd dogs and the British go out in the noonday sun." I am definitely ready for a nap. Try to take one this weekend. Have a great day!
I was working on a newsletter for my teachers and found some writing about naps. I thought you might enjoy reading it:
Every physiologic function of the human body undergoes a diurnal variation, meaning that it phases and fluctuates throughout the day. This is true for the sleep/wake cycle—not only at bedtime but at midday as well. After lunch our biorhythms experience a natural slump, as a mild somnolence intrudes on our wakefulness.
These slumping biorhythms can be resisted with caffeine and stimulation. But throughout history, many cultures have instead treated this natural somnolence as a nonthreatening occurrence. Rather than kicking against it, they have accommodated this dip by developing the culturally accepted habit of napping, the idea of taking a siesta.
Many of the world’s greatest leaders were nappers. Thomas Edison is said to have catnapped up to eight times a day. John F. Kennedy napped in the White House, and Winston Churchill took daily naps even during World War II. No doubt Jesus Himself napped. For example, when the boat was being buffeted by the wind and the waves, Jesus was sleeping in the bow. The disciples first had to awaken Him before begging for a miracle.
Naps can be revitalizing, adding energy and productivity for later in the day. If you have the opportunity and need to nap, it is best to follow certain guidelines. Don’t nap for more than one hour. If you do, understand that a longer nap is not necessarily more restful. Even a nap of fifteen minutes can help to improve alertness and concentration and, to some extent, make up for a disturbed or shortened night of sleep.
The most useful naps are in the afternoon. A short nap in the early evening can give added stamina for the hours ahead.
There is an Indian proverb that says, "Only amd dogs and the British go out in the noonday sun." I am definitely ready for a nap. Try to take one this weekend. Have a great day!
posted by Craig @ 4:53 AM
2 Comments:
At 7:24 PM ,
Mark Lavender said...
Hey Fish! Amen to naps. Remember the 3 hour naps we would all take in Mabee before heading to dinner at 5:00 pm sharp in the Bean?!?
Still working on campus, a couple of guys and myself went through 2nd floor north in Mabee at 3:30 pm one day earlier this year. Everything was completely quiet...nap time still exists! Enjoyed your Blog!
At 11:02 AM ,
Donna G said...
I used to have a doggie door in my laundry room and one night had to corral a racoon who had come in for some dog food...Lots of fun!
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