Why Some Americans Embrace Napping While Others Don't

I’m A Professional Nap Planner And Apparently That’s A Real Thing

My Morning Show Co-Host Bobby and I have a lot in common, but one thing we differ on in life is our napping habits.

I am a nap taker. Most days, I wake up in the morning already looking forward to my nap later in the day. There is just something about getting that midday sleep that completely resets me. I wake up feeling recharged, more motivated to get things done, and somehow I believe I have more energy than I had when I first got out of bed.

Bobby, on the other hand, does not understand the nap lifestyle at all. He goes to bed at the same time every night, wakes up at the same time every morning, and somehow just keeps rolling through the day with steady energy. Meanwhile, I’m over here counting down the hours until I can crawl under a blanket for a little afternoon reset. I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with Bobby's theory, but I have found pros and cons when it comes to day napping.

Now, I'm Not Just A Napper... I'm A Nap Planner

This is the difference between Bobby and I's nap theory. Bobby never plans a nap. Me on the other hand, I start planning the perfect nap outfit, spot, and snuggle buddies.

If Bobby accidentally falls asleep, it usually happens in his chair while watching TV. It’s never planned. He just kind of dozes off for a few minutes and wakes back up confused about what channel he’s on.

I am the complete opposite. My naps are an event.

I turn on the fan. I change into comfy clothes. I put something on the TV at a low volume for background noise. Then I gather up my kitties for snuggles and fully commit to the experience.

That said, there are days when life gets busy and I don’t have time for my ideal hour-and-a-half to two-hour nap. That’s when I have to switch over to what the professionals call a “power nap,” which usually lasts somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes.

After noticing how different I feel after short naps compared to long naps, I decided to do a little research and apparently the internet has A LOT to say about our sleeping habits.

Turns Out Most Americans Are Nappers

According to research, about 80% of adults in the United States have taken a nap within the last three months, and around 34% of Americans nap on a typical day. The average nap clocks in at just over an hour.

Apparently, men over 50 are more likely to nap than women, (unless your Bobby) and naps also become more common as people get older. Researchers even found that lower-income adults are more likely to take daily naps than higher-income earners.

The Great Nap Debate: Short Naps Vs. Long Naps

Here’s where things got interesting.

Experts say short naps, usually around 20 to 30 minutes, are actually the sweet spot. Those “power naps” can improve alertness, help memory, boost mood, and even lower blood pressure. They also help you avoid that awful groggy feeling where you wake up unsure what year it is.

Long naps, though, are where things get a little complicated and maybe I should change my habits after reading this. Studies found that regularly taking naps longer than 30 to 60 minutes may be linked to higher risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic issues in older adults. One study even suggested that each extra hour of daytime napping could increase mortality risk.

That sounds dramatic, but researchers also point out that long naps can sometimes be connected to underlying health problems or poor nighttime sleep. So before anyone panics and throws away their favorite blanket, context matters.

I Fear This Research May Not Stop Me

Even after reading all of this information, I can confidently tell you I will still be taking naps.

Will I maybe try to keep them a little shorter sometimes? Sure.

Will I still occasionally disappear for a full two-hour “accidental” nap with my cats while Gunsmoke plays softly in the background? Of course I will. I'm just being honest.

Some people drink coffee to survive the day, which is something I do too. But we all know the feeling of a good REM 2 hour daytime nap. With all the sunshine and playing outside going on in the world I am getting some rest, and I am completely satisfied with that, but now I will be more cautious for future side effects when it comes to napping.

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