Regular naps can have benefits that can help people improve their overall health and productivity.
If the lurching forward of the clock for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday made you noticeably more tired, you’re not the only one. This time change was actually the inspiration for National Napping Day, which takes place annually the day after the clocks move ahead. In 1999, Dr. William Anthony, a Boston University professor, and his wife, Camille, instituted National Napping Day in an effort to overcome American cultural prejudice against napping and to raise awareness about the health benefits of catching up on quality sleep.
“We figured this would be a good day to celebrate the importance of napping because everyone is one hour more sleep-deprived than usual,” Anthony said.
Each year, National Napping Day recognizes our need the day following the return of daylight saving time. Not only does the observance encourage a nap, it reminds us that there s no shame in taking one either. While preparing for the time change can offset the shock to our internal clock, many other things in our life may not handle the change so well causing us to still lose sleep. Young children and pets do not adjust as easily and certain work schedules do not permit early adjustment, either.