Naps seem to be a recurring theme these days — the thinking about them, the taking of them, and the writing blogs usually when needing one.  I’m sure this Daybook is sprinkled with my feelings about naps — as in I DO NOT LIKE NAPS.

I firmly believe they are time-wasters.  I do not feel “better” after having a nap.  In fact, I usually feel grumpy and out of sorts for several hours after waking.  And they do not result in staying up later (as in making up for lost time) nor do I sleep less soundly or wake up earlier the next day.

And yet, my friends and family members swear by naps.  “Just twenty minutes in the afternoon and I’m a new person,” some say.  “”Nothing less than two hours, but you’ll be re-energized and get so much more done!” say others.  “Bull puckey say others.”

However, I’ve reached a time in my life when I am taking naps now and then because there seems to be no alternative.  If I’m writing at my computer, suddenly CLUNK.  My forehead hits the keyboard.  I’ve fallen asleep mid-sentence and there’s nothing for it but to grab a pillow and my blankey and give in.  So far, it’s the most aggravating old age problem.

Just recently I read an article that seemed to be well-grounded in research.  It gave three fairly compelling reasons for taking naps — but only 20 to 30 minute naps:  They improve memory, increase creativity, and increase willpower.  (However, if you cross the 60-90 minute threshold, you will get up all groggy and irritated.)  So now I have to remember to set an alarm?

I’m sure there are more annoying old age problems and certainly more serious ones.  But, if there is anyone out there “of a certain age” who feels as I do and who has found a solution, do tell.  About two hours from now.