Napping perceived as "Bad?" I am a napper. I am 28 years old and ever since I acquired a Panic Disorder at

Question

the age of 22 I nap everyday in the afternoon. Whether I am on vacation, after work, etc. I nap. I went one time without a nap and I felt like I was going crazy! So I have a friend who made reference to napping yesterday "I can sleep when I'm dead." It seems like people think that those of us who nap are lazy or something. I never sit still unless it's to nap or sleep.
What are oyur thoughts on napping? Any other nappers out there?

Answer 1

I *HAVE* to nap every day, no matter what, and I too get a lot of flack from non-nappers.

Answer 2

I used to nap alot. I thought I was depressed. I was just SOOOO inclined to napping. I'd take a break, and reast my chin on my palm, next thing I know, two hours have gone by.
Ironically, I had a sleep study done for sleep apnea, and for no reason that involved my naps. They called me back because my sleep paralysis was heavier than most, and because I was hitting REM awfully fast. I came back for a day time test, every two hours, I took a 20 minute nap. I hit REM in under 8 minutes everytime. After much consulting, and a few other tests, I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy. Which, contrary to belief, is not some dramatic episode where you fall down unconsious. The falling is a side effect that sometimes comes with Narcolespy, known as Cataplexy, which is sudden loss of control over certain muscles in the body.
So I don't consider napping a lazy thing, because I couldn't even help it without my medication. And even with the medication, I had my "bad days".
Truth is, most people with narcolepsy aren't diagnosed until late adolecence and early twenties, which is what happened to me.
There is NOTHING wrong with a nap. If that's what you need for that extra boost, and if you're doing it on your free time, then you're not being lazy. That's how your body is. Why should your friend care? You're not napping at work, or when you shouldn't.
Who knows, maybe you have narcolepsy, or maybey you have RLS or something is interupting your REM sleep. Perhaps the naps you're taking are long enough for you to get a little REM in

Answer 3

I know exactly what you mean and I've napped since my early 20's as well due to panic disorder. That's one reason why I can't hold a full-time job as it's too stressful for me. But I can work 2-3 PT jobs. Everyday I nap, but mostly it's during winter months. I say if one needs a nap, they should take one. As a matter of fact was reading about some company who allows their employees to have "power naps" as it is recognized as something that's normally needed, as well as productive for the workers. A lot of people I know actually will take naps or sleep a lot more whenever they feel they need it. I've learned to control anxiety a lot over the yrs. But feel that every now and then it's something that I just have to work on......you know, like taking yoga atleast twice per month, relaxing, and trying to avoid unnecessary stress.
Too bad if someone else doesn't understand. ONce I took a nap at an inlaws house because I was feelin' tired. They didn't understand it too much, but I did it anyway, lol. (normally don't do this tho)
It has nothing whatsoever about being "lazy"--on the contrary I think people who have anxiety have a lot more on their minds actually. This is why learning to relax is so important. It's like learning a new habit, a healthy one at that.

Answer 4

I am 31 and I take a nap during the day. I am grateful that I do not have to work but I do have a six year old. His day starts at 6:45 am as well as does mine. I send him off to school. Do some housework whatever needs to be done. And I take a nap to recharge before he comes home. So yes I believe it is okay to take a nap. If that is what you need to do to help you function better later in the day then by all means go for it.

Answer 5

Ignore unenlightened folks who can't appreciate the value of the nap. If I could discipline myself to nap a bit on some kind of regular basis, I'm sure I'd be more productive and content. As it is, I have many responsibilities and have gotten to the point where I burn my candle at both ends (quick, call the Nap Police).
Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were nappers.

Answer 6

Tell them all to go get done. Take a nap. I am BiPolar and currently, I nap fairly daily. They say that is a depression thing. I take the kids to school alot of days and then come home and go back to sleep... Get back up about 1, do a few things in the house, pick up the kids, do things with them. Scouts, church, ect. And I am up till 11 or 12. 1am isn't unheard of. If I work, I don't usually nap quite so much. But I still do it.
Tell them to get off. But yes, it is percieved as bad.

Answer 7

Yes, I am a very active person,too, and I also nap frequently.
In fact, everyone in my family naps.
You say that you feel panicky if you do not nap. Maybe this is your bodys' way of telling you to turn the stimulation down and recoup your energy/mental balance.
My ex and I used to fight over my napping. That's one reason why he's my ex.
Do what feels right for you, and tell the nay sayers about all the famous people like Edison, Lincoln, and Einstein who napped regularly.

Answer 8

Napping is good. Assuming you mean a nap and not a couple extra hours of sleep ... we'd all do better with a daily nap. There's a reason for 2pm siesta time -- it makes sense.

A lot more sense then going going going til you drop -- maybe drop dead of a heart attack huh? Take care of yourself. If you can get away with napping, then do it.

Answer 9

I would LOVE to take a nap in the day but I can never fall asleep in the day unless I have taken a nerve pill earlier.LOL

Answer 10

in some countries (spain, for sure, i know) they actually have naps built into their days. lunch is the "big meal" of the day, everyone goes home from work for a few hours, eats and then naps. there is NOTHING wrong with napping! its actually healthy, if your body needs it, sleep when u can!