On the health benefits of naps

photo credit: zenobia_joy

For the first few weeks that I began with my crazy back-to-working-out schedule, I felt that I had it all under control. I was eating well, exercising, teaching, doing research, attending social media events, etc. Admittedly, I do feel much healthier and my energy level seems to be really high.

The only problem is, I still feel the need to have a nap in the middle of the day. The need for a nap usually arrives around 4pm (which is more or less when my day should be over, technically, since I’m awake since 5:00am to do my workout). A need for a nap is quite ok when I am at my office at The Network Hub, since our couch is very comfy and I feel comfortable and safe.

The problem comes when I want to take a short nap at my UBC office, or even on the bus as I commute. If I fall asleep too soundly on the bus, I may miss my stop. And it’s not as good of a rest as a real nap. Moreover, where the heck could I sleep at my office at the university?

But, seriously, I think that there are many health benefits to napping. Admittedly, during my many years of graduate student life and as someone who has always worked very long hours, I usually have been running a sleep deficit. But that seems to be correcting itself in 2010!

Now, on to you, my dear readers – do you take naps?

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