I cannot recall a time when I was not an amazing napper.  From the early days, all other mothers would be told – ‘she is such a good sleeper’ ….to the now, where sleep just comes easily.

The shit part?…not getting R.E.M!   This is the missing part in all these successful, yet underwhelming missions to rest. Which lead to the inevitable nap the next day.  It’s a vicious cycle.

Don’t you loathe “those people” on planes that can just zonk right out as soon as they hit the air?   Or the dude on a crowded subway that can fully nod off with their heads bobbing around carefree (unconscious) – I mean, maybe its heroin or a narcoleptic take over but – I have fit into both categories minus the downers or sleep disorder!

So, after some soul (sucking) sleep apnea discussions with a specialist, the “issues” were not narcolepsy, apnea, insomnia or any of the more common issues – nope…. It was the naps! My naps were actually affecting my ability to receive a full night’s sleep!

Duh. In hindsight that makes sense – but what about feeling constantly tired? And no- not a typical burn out tired, we are talking constant yawns, exhausted, feeling completely blasé tired.

What to do?Well the answers were really simple and the result?– well, that’s a work in progress.

• Don’t go to sleep until you are ready to actually sleep.
• Stop the screen time an hour before bed to give eyes a rest
• Don’t be a “time checker” throughout the night
• Avoid snacking before bed

All of this seemed absolutely bonkers and not at all as great as a siesta on a rainy (okay even Sunny) day.

However, it has helped.  Breaking habits always take time, but I discovered a couple of tricks along the way:

• Timers set on my devices to shut down apps (blackout times)
• Eat larger portions at dinner to avoid the late night snacking
• Turning the alarm clock around to avoid sneak peeks at the time

Although I can’t say goodbye to naps forever, they are good for us when the body needs to rest and to recharge, but keeping them under an hour in a responsible controlled nap manner is now the way to go.

Happy nappy everyone!