PLC Civics and Social Justice Captain, Lucy Alderson (Year 12) explains why napping is beneficial and offers tips for beginners.
Last year, I attended a Lighthouse workshop and information session by Naptivist and Personal Sustainability Specialist, Thea O’Connor. I took everything I learnt on board and it’s changed my life! I would like to share what I learnt with you.
Napping is something I do almost every day to help me function effectively. Last year I fell into a stage where I was often fatigued. High demands on my mind and body from sports training and study prevented me from sleeping the eight to ten hours we are suggested to have per night.
That’s when I decided to try napping, and now it is a part of my daily routine!
I started taking a 20 – 30 minute nap after school, which allowed my brain to function better, leading to effective study.
Tips for napping:
– A ‘good’ nap is around 20 minutes long. Longer than 30 minutes will make you feel drowsy.
– Make sure you set an alarm to wake you up.
– It’s really important to make sure you are comfortable. Having a nap in the dark and in a silent area helps.
– It’s okay to nap and not fall asleep. Just closing your eyes for a minimum of ten minutes will make you feel more refreshed.
– It’s also important to tell your family you’re having a nap and not to interrupt.
I would like to highlight that napping does not replace poor sleep. Combining afternoon naps with an efficient night’s sleep allows you to concentrate and work effectively throughout the day and helps overall health.
