Lifestyle Insights: The Case for Longer Naps: 2 Hours Over 20 Minutes—But Science Says Otherwise
A few years back, I compiled a list of what fathers truly wished for on Father’s Day. Near the top was the desire for a nap, even placing it above intimate moments. The connection between sleep and parenting is perplexing—rest often feels elusive. There’s always a child who needs a drink, cries over a toy, or is unsettled by a lost sock in the night.
If you’re like me, the thought of a power nap seems appealing, but actually dozing off in 10 or 20 minutes? Nearly impossible! I’d rather have two hours, as it takes me at least 20 minutes to drift off. However, if you happen to be one of those fortunate individuals who can nap and revive instantly, there are numerous benefits to be gained from a power nap.
So, what exactly qualifies as a power nap? Sleep scientist Dr. Emma Johnson from the University of California, Riverside defines it as “a brief sleep period that occurs during the day, ideally between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, lasting anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.” Of course, these guidelines aren’t rigid. If you’ve been awake with your child since dawn, a 20-minute nap at 11 AM still counts!
But what advantages come from a brief snooze on the couch while your toddler is glued to YouTube? A study published in The Journal of Sleep Research in 2008 revealed that ultra-short sleep sessions can enhance long-term memory related to factual recall. So, the next time you’re struggling to remember when Columbus arrived in the Americas while assisting your fifth grader, you can say, “Just a moment, I need a power nap.”
I recognize this may sound humorous, but like many parents, I’m desperate for any excuse to grab a few minutes of sleep. The absence of adequate napping might explain my recent inability to locate my wallet for three days straight. Beyond memory enhancement, naps can improve overall health. An informative article on Io9 compiled a list of napping benefits, revealing that it can lower blood pressure, aid in weight management (good luck telling your trainer!), and boost energy and productivity during the day.
Moreover, power naps are beneficial for children’s development, particularly for those over the age of two. Admittedly, I often recall the last time my three-year-old napped and how I was up until midnight, trying to tame her energy level. Yet, research suggests that daytime sleeping is crucial for young children. A 2013 study in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences showed that naps support learning in preschoolers by enhancing memory, emphasizing that “sleep is essential for early education.” This finding stands in stark contrast to many preschools that are eliminating naps for more academic activities.
If you’re feeling fatigued just reading this, you’re in good company. And if you’ve ever dozed off unexpectedly as a parent, it’s completely understandable. Don’t feel guilty; you’re doing something positive for your health and cognitive function. And if your child manages to take a nap during the day, appreciate it, as it’s crucial for their development. Just be ready to wake them after a short while, unless you’re prepared to chase a hyperactive toddler until midnight!
Last summer, while attending my son’s soccer game, I didn’t get much sleep the previous night due to my youngest being ill. I found a moment to rest in the car during his warm-up and ended up sleeping through half of the game. When my son confronted me afterward, I simply apologized. Next time, I’ll explain that I was engaging in a beneficial activity for my memory and health. Chances are, he won’t understand or care, but at least it’ll make me feel a bit better.
For more insights on parenthood and family matters, consider checking out our other blogs, such as those on home insemination kits, which provide helpful resources for starting a family.
In conclusion, power naps may seem trivial, but they offer significant benefits for both parents and children. Never hesitate to seize that short period of rest; it might just be the boost you need!