“I don’t feel old. I don’t feel anything till noon. That’s when it’s time for my nap.”– Bob Hope
Does your loved one like to nap in the afternoon?
Well, many people do.
You probably are happy for your loved one to doze off a bit and get some rest. After all they deserve it with all these years of hard work behind them. But did you know that it isn’t only about relaxation and napping helps seniors too?
Here are a couple of ways how napping helps seniors. Maybe your loved one fits one of these categories as well.
Sleep Compensation
Many elderly adults have a hard time sleeping past the early hours of the morning. It’s not that their bodies are fully rested, necessarily, rather it’s about changes that give them a hard time staying or falling back asleep.
When afternoon hits and they go for their daily snooze, they’re often really making up some nighttime sleep.
Emotional Regulation
When were tired, we don’t always show up with the best version of ourselves. Have you ever noticed that you tend to get more nervous and grumpy when you’re tired? You simply don’t have the same levels of tolerance when your resources are taxed.
Try to imagine the start of the day after a good night of sleep. How do you feel? Are you grumpy and bitter? Or do you feel like this will be a great day filled with opportunity? (sounds like Wellington Estates, huh?) I’ll bet the latter in most cases.
Seniors are the same. By napping, they give their systems an opportunity to replenish itself and they can face situations with greater emotional regulation.
Sleep is a powerful tool and it’s important for health. So lets not take it for granted.
Does your loved one enjoy an afternoon nap?
What’s your opinion on the subject?
Please share in the comments below.