Aside from taking a daily forced nap in kindergarten, so many decades ago, I’ve never
really been a napper. OK, I have neen known to doze off in my ‘Dad chair’ once in a while, but nothing like the daytime napping many older people relish in their senior years. I’ve never felt like I had the time during the day or I figured I would wake up feeling worse if I did have a nap.
As we get older, our sleep changes. We spend less time in deep sleep and we wake up more often so our overall sleep becomes lighter and less sufficient. As a result, it often leads to us feeling groggy and zapped of energy the next day. This adjustment in sleep pattern means seniors often use the day to make up for those restless nights. On top of that, many older adults have health conditions and/or take medications that make daytime fatigue more common.
Understanding why the siesta habit grows strong with age involves looking into how our internal rhythms shift over the years, making those daytime rests more appealing and sometimes necessary.
The Benefits of Napping: Why Some Choose to Rest During the Day
Napping isn’t just about feeling cozy on the couch. It can really boost both mind and body. According to the Sleep Foundation (1) and the National Institutes of Health (2), a short afternoon nap can do wonders, It will help reduce fatigue, improve mood, sharpen alertness and even support memory learning, be it recalling words or mastering movements.
The magic here lies in catching just the right amount of sleep. When we nap, it’s like pressing the reset button for our brains. So, creating the perfect nap environment is key. Think a comfy spot, not necessarily your bed but, maybe the couch. Lower the light, and enjoy some peace and quiet. A bit of mindfulness meditation before closing your eyes can also make the nap more effective. Whether it’s to improve function or just feel rested, napping can be a powerful tool when done right.
The Drawbacks: Potential Downsides of Excessive Daytime Sleep
On the flip side, not all naps are created equal. Duration and timing matter a lot. While naps can be a great way to recharge, too much of a good thing can lead to trouble. Long naps might mess with your night’s sleep, leaving you tossing and turning instead of snoozing. The Sleep Foundation highlights how oversleeping during the day can lead to feeling groggy after waking and even impact your bedtime routine.
Finding the right balance is crucial. Naps should be short and sweet. Mayo Clinic kind of nails it by recommending a nap of about 20-30 minutes. It’s the sweet spot that offers a refreshing break without diving into deep sleep, which could make waking up a drag. Setting an alarm can help ensure you don’t overdo it. Picking a time between the hours of 1pm -3pm, which would align with our natural dip in energy, is also recommended. Having a nap after 3pm could potentially make for another restless night of sleep.
As we know, with aging comes changes to our physiological state. It could be a subtle change, or one that seems to smack us in the face when we aren’t looking. By the time we reach the age of 55, we’re pretty much aware of our body. Too much napping may signal an underlying sleep disorder or other health issues. If you’re finding yourself needing lengthy or frequent naps, it might be time to chat with your family doctor. Keeping naps short and consistent can help improve daytime alertness while ensuring a good night’s rest.
Now, understanding why the siesta habit grows strong with age is making those daytime rests more appealing – and sometimes necessary – even to me.