Naps

That's my new hobby: naps. :) I'm reading a book that was recommended to me by a friend. It's called Take a Nap! Change Your Life by Sara Mednick and Mark Ehrman. I'm only part way through it, but what I've read so far has been captivating.

I'm learning more about why our bodies need sleep, and all the necessary things that go on when we're asleep; for example, our brains synthesize things we've learned while we sleep in a way that can't be done while we're awake. The author says that if you take a nap after you learn something new, you'll retain that knowledge more thoroughly than if you stay awake. Isn't that fascinating? The author says that getting a good night's sleep is important, but taking a nap is just as valuable. She says it's actually very healthy for everyone to take a nap in the middle of the day, even if it's brief; it helps with energy and alertness and just general health.

So, I've taken her advice! Not only because she says it's healthy, but because I have been so incredibly tired lately, and usually right around 1:00 in the afternoon, sleepiness comes over me - which can be very inconvenient depending on what's on my schedule for the day. (I know what you ladies are thinking... 'Ooo that could mean she's pregnant!' I was hoping that was the case myself, but, alas, I am not.) So, when I'm able to, I lay down at around 1:00 and just sleep until I wake up. Sometimes I sleep for as much as an hour and a half! I wake up sort of groggy, but then once I'm fully awake again, I can handle the second half of the day with more energy - and that alone makes it worth it for me.

I like how this book validates my giving in to my daytime sleepiness. :) And it's just a good reminder that it's good to give our bodies what they need. God made us with limitations; he made us with a daily need for rest. Respecting that need is respecting the way God made us.

*update*
I'm actually learning now how it's possible to schedule your naps so you don't wake up groggy...