Tuesday, September 28, 2010

nap quest

I got into a conversation about napping the other day with a couple of friends.  I know this sounds simplistic, but after taking an informal survey of a decidedly small segment of the population (do four people qualify as a focus group?) I've since come to the conclusion that the world is divided up into nappers and non-nappers.

Non-napper types generally feel that sleeping during the hours we're supposed to be awake and productive is wasteful. Time spent napping could be better utilized doing something productive, like checking your facebook page  balancing the checkbook, or  reading blogs emptying the dishwasher.  They employ slogans such as "Sleep is for the weak", or "I'll have plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead", along with copious amounts of caffeine to get them through the day.


A typical non-napper type getting her caffeine fix.

Nappers are generally divided into three camps: the Unabashedly Laid Back,  Guilt-Ridden Snoozers, and Master Nappers. The ULB's talk of the restorative effects of the 15-minute Power Nap. They quote studies that support their theories, and insist that scientists at Harvard have determined that a midday snooze reverses information overload. (wikipedia)  

The Guilt-Ridden Snoozers, on the other hand, also believe in the benefits of napping but due to a childhood spent under the influence of parents who adopted a strict work ethic during the Great Depression, they find it difficult to nap with a clear conscience. A typical GRS can usually be spotted in the prone position with an open book, magazine or newspaper on his or her chest. If caught dozing off, they will insist, "I was just resting my eyes!"
photo borrowed from here

And the third category of napper? Master Nappers are those who have achieved the highest level of Napology. See photos below:


A true Master Napper can nap anywhere, at any time.


This is known in the trade as a Napportunity.




The training to become a Master Napper 
must begin at an early age


and is successful only if practiced on a regular basis.



 Another hallmark of the Master Napper is the Group Nap


where three or more Master Nappers
meet to practice in a warm and cozy place.


Synchronized Napping 


is a highly developed art form


practiced by teams of Master Nappers.


MN's take Nap Form very seriously




but are sometimes mistaken for Unabashedly Laid Back Nappers.

I hope this post has helped to illuminate the plight of all misunderstood Nappers (yawn!). As it is only through understanding and education that we can promote tolerance for all.
Now I really must go and get another cup of coffee, because I'm suddenly feeling very sleepy.... 


Buenas noches

5 comments:

Tamarama said...

Best post yet!

Michele Avanti said...

This has to be one of my favorite blogs you have written...a PHD in Nappology, I love it!

cb said...

oh jane, AWWWWW. dave is so cute when he's asleep.

love you guys!

The Rustic Victorian said...

Oh my what a wonderful post, looks like you have 6 furpersons, and a man! All experts on naps. good photos,,,do they all snore???
oxo
Marcie

Tonia said...

I always thought the world was made up of two types, those who follow rules and those who don't. Now I can't decide if nappers are rule followers or not. I have heard it said that sleep is for the body and naps are for the soul.

Thanks for the chuckle.
xo