The Napping Age

      Many years ago, the man in his mid-50s my wife used to work for would close his office door sometime in the afternoon, lay down on the floor and take a 20-minute power nap. Afterwards, he was full of energy.

      I thought, frankly, it was just a bit nuts. Well, the laying down on the floor part, sure. But I really meant the whole idea of napping. Why waste time in the middle of the day? Sleep at night, do stuff when it’s daytime!

      I have now changed my mind, mainly because I am at the napping age.

      And, I know, I am not alone.

      According to research, up to 60 percent of adults aged 65 and older regularly take daytime naps, with variations across cultures and regions. In the U.S., it is estimated that around 50 percent of adults aged 50–71 nap regularly.

      It’s understandable.

      Our circadian rhythms have changed, meaning we feel sleepy earlier in the evening—the reason for Florida being the world leader in early bird restaurant specials—and we wake earlier in the morning. In general, we just don’t sleep as much. And for a variety of reasons—including medical conditions and assorted medications—we are more frequently tired during the day and start napping as compensation for our insufficient rest. Plus, for some of us, if we’re older and likely retired, there’s reduced physical activity, less mental stimulation, and, sometimes, increased social isolation. They all contribute to our fatigue and our need to nap.

      Many people I know are regular nappers. One friend does it every morning after getting his bagel and coffee and having his breakfast. Another regularly does it mid-afternoon while watching television while a third does it after the evening news but before a (now much later) bedtime. Of course, they are all retired, with fewer structured daily activities, and can nap, without having to close the door to their office and lay down on the floor.

      Fortunately, there’s a bed in what I call my office (it’s my daughter’s old bedroom). And more and more, I find myself laying down in the bed for an hour or so on a regular basis. I do it particularly when I have had a bad night’s sleep, which seems to be happening more and more often.

      Often I nap—or rather, rest—without falling asleep. Sometimes, when I do fall asleep, I wake up refreshed. Other times, I wake up a bit groggy and headache-y, like described in this Guardian story.

      I have read that short naps of 20 to 30 minutes can enhance memory, alertness and psychomotor performance. Studies have shown that short napping after lunch may improve word recall and cognitive tasks in older adults. I have also read that excessive napping—that is, naps of between 60 and 90 minutes—has been linked to cognitive decline.

      When I lay down for a nap tomorrow—and I most probably will lay down for a nap tomorrow—I’m gonna set an alarm.