Taking a daily nap

[Scholar22]

I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself--bad kinds of pressure, not good kinds. A couple weeks ago I hit a breaking point and realized I needed to find some way to keep myself calm and focused.

I had read that some recent study showed that a daily nap reduces stress, so I decided to try it. I had always thought that naps were for kids and old people, but why not give it a shot?

I have to say, it has really worked! just 20 minutes or half an hour of rest every afternoon makes me fell much more relaxed overall. And I daresay I'm even more productive, despite the "lost" time, because I can think in a more focused and rational way.

I'm wondering if anyone else naps regularly and what effects you have observed.

[Dharma]

I don't nap regularly (lol.. I took 2 today ) but I recognize in myself that if I take the time to nap, I will be more refreshed and more alert than working through my tired period. I also take 20-30 minute naps.

It also makes sense: the body (and the consciousness) need a break, why else would it signal that I'm tired?

[taylor2]

i take long naps. i get up at 2-3a.m. and take a nap at around 2p.m. before my hubby some home.that way i am rested before i ahve to fix dinner and i can last the evening.it feels wonderful.:D

[Ellesse]

I do take a nap at times and it's quite refreshing. But too long a nap normally make me feel more tired. Is this common or am I the only one feeling so?

[kpreston]

Since I'm usually awake late into the night/morning (it's 4:33 AM right now ), I regularly take naps when I have the down-time. I like to try and take full cycle naps (190 minutes) as opposed to the little cat-naps though. My friends think I'm crazy, but my naps always keep me in a good mood through-out the day and night (not to mention I'm the last to fall asleep at parties *evil grin*).

[richie111]

Naps actually help in getting together your inner reserves ,i really loved napping,but actually end up taking a 2hr nap instead of 20 mins

[Unplottable]

I read that a power nap of about 20 mins is the best, but I always have about 1 hour or more . Still it really is helpful, sometimes I almost didn't sleep at all the night before but taking a 1 hour nap near noon and work quite well.

[빈센트]

I replaced naps with exercise.

[Razo]

Naps and exercise are both great ways to reduce stress, how about taking some preventative measures as well? learn to delegate some of those tasks and say no to others!

there's many things you can do, i found a pretty good list of suggestions...
enjoy!
Counseling Center - 52 Proven Stress Reducers

[Isabelle]

I was reticent to take naps because I felt it was for lazy people. But if my body needs sleep, I don't know why I should not listen to it.

I noticed that taking a nap on the couch for 20 minutes is enough and is better than going in my bed. I started by taking naps in my bed but I was sleeping for too long, and then felt dizzy and bad. Now, I even keep my shoes on, I close my eyes, sleep and wake up automatically after 20 minutes.

When I skip a nap, I have no energy after dinner.

Sleeping is important for a healthy body. I think if you need it, you should take naps.

[John Hill]

I wrote a post on my site recently called "do you need a power nap", it explains the benefits of napping and for how long the ideal nap should last for. If you nap for too long it may be detrimental to your normal sleeping pattern. The link is below.

John