I have to admit that I am not the greatest sleeper, and I rarely take naps. However, it turns out there’s a recent study in NeuroImage that talks about how even a brief nap can help us learn (see link below).

But what if we aren’t good nappers?

I remember way back in first grade. In the afternoon, we had a little bit of a rest period. I think my teacher was on to something. I love the idea of resting a little bit in the afternoon. According to my mom, my grandmother used to take a little bit of a nap when she got home from work. There are times when that seems useful, and I’ve found that even a little bit of a lie down when I get home from work gives me the energy I need to get on with the rest of the evening. But I don’t do it regularly, and it’s only if I really feel the need for it.

I’m working on rest. And for me, the first part of that is recognizing that I don’t get enough of it. Our society does not seem to value sleep. Less is better. Eight hours is almost luxurious (I can’t remember the last time I slept for eight hours!) If I get seven hours, I feel lucky.

When I first started out in nursing I worked third shift. For me, it was a struggle. I did it for about a year, and just could not do it any more. I did help write a booklet for new night nurses though, and in it I added a section on taking little naps at night, such as on your break. So if I can tell other people to do it, why can’t I at least try?

All this to say that I’m gonna work on little, 20 minute naps this week…and if I can’t actually fall asleep, I can still “rest my eyes” which is code for sleeping. 🙂

Are you a napper?

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811926000418