After my first bowel obstruction, and while recovering from peritonitis and pancreatitis, I noticed that my usual energy level was not returning, and that a nap had become part of my daily life. That was January 1993, and here we are, all these years (and close to two dozen surgeries later) I still need a daily nap. It is not a luxury, nor do I question its value or importance…I know I need it in order to recoup my energy and be my most fulfilled.

There are days when I sincerely wish I could forgo my nap, because I want to make plans that do not bring me near home. But I consider my nap a medical necessity, building my plans around it. Each time I lay down, I have a similar feeling…I will never put the thoughts of the day out of my mind enough to sleep, and lo and behold, 45 minutes or an hour later, I awaken and feel refreshed and better.

My high-output ileostomy requires awakening and emptying my pouch several (sometimes as many as 5) times a night, and that means there is never a period of uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, leg and foot cramps do, well, cramp my sleep style, and it is not uncommon to need to massage them with Thera Worx, walk around, back in bed, time to empty…well, you see how it goes. But I am fortunate because my life is structured so I can catch up when exhaustion overtakes me, and for that, I am so grateful!

For all of us, however, there are many benefits of napping: relaxation, reduced fatigue, increased alertness, improved mood, improved performance, including quicker reaction time and better memory. Not bad for something that potentially makes many of us feel better.

Covid created an opportunity for napping, I am sure, there was nothing to stop us from taking a daily break. I would like to think that we were more productive into the night, having taken that rest.

There are, however, drawbacks to napping for some: inability to sleep at night, need to sleep only in their own bed, a sense of grogginess. If you have a sudden need for naps, it may be an indication of failing health, so keep that in mind, please.  

Finally, here are a few tips to make the most of your naps: Keep them short, around 30-45 minutes, nap in the early afternoon so you are still ready for bed at your usual time, create a restful environment that is comfortable in temperature and a place to sleep, and give yourself time to wake up before resuming activities, particularly those that require a quick or sharp response.

Linus was right…keep that blanket handy and enjoy your nap…the majority of us know, there is nothing negative about it!