It has just come to my attention that today is a National Holiday. It's not in honor of a past President or Civil Rights activist, or Nobel Prize winner, or a religious observance, or a celebration of an event in history. It's not even what you might call a "Hallmark" holiday. It could be quite a Significant Day for some (many of them live in my house, and are observing the holiday as we speak) and just another Monday for others.
It's National Nap Day.
So, because I myself am not of the Napping persuasion, I'm reposting something I wrote a couple of years ago that seems a fitting tribute. To all you Napping types, I wish you sweet dreams, and to the rest of you dear readers I say, "Rock on!" And I hope this post doesn't lull you off to dreamland, unless of course that's what you were hoping for...
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!"
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....
Happy National Nap Day!
