Will Napping Enhance Your Lifespan and Cognitive Function?
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The Science of Napping
Napping is a practice my stepfather held in high regard, and it often felt almost sacred in our household. His lifelong dedication was focused on one central question: Why do we sleep?
He made it a point to rest every day from 5 to 7 p.m. One of the prerequisites for him moving in with our family was the installation of soundproof curtains on the third floor. This space housed both his home office and his dedicated nap room—a concept I now realize is quite unique.
Section 1.1 The Nap Room
This special room was exclusively for napping. His bed, adorned with a soft, worn mustard-colored comforter, carried the familiar scents of his soap and aftershave. The room also featured its own bathroom, complete with a clawfoot tub—a place where I once sought refuge after a muddy encounter with school bullies.
The nap room served as a sanctuary; I often preferred it over my own bedroom, especially when feeling unwell. A heavy, long-necked lamp perched atop the two-drawer dresser, where I sometimes held a thermometer to feign a fever.
Before resting, my stepfather would pour himself a small glass of very dry vermouth to enjoy. The nap room was treated with utmost reverence, much like a sacred space. Interrupting a nap was simply unheard of.
Subsection 1.1.1 The Importance of Respecting Nap Time
I often pondered what could justify interrupting his rest—perhaps a fire or a break-in, but those incidents always seemed to occur when he was awake. Even the universe seemed to honor his nap schedule.
Almost every time he woke up, he'd exclaim, "Boy! Did I sleep!" In his lingo, "boy" indicated a quality nap. If he forgot to utter those words, we would inquire, "Was it a boy?" Usually, it was. In our home filled with women, he was the lone male, along with his cherished naps.
Section 1.2 My Own Napping Experience
Today, I took a nap myself, and indeed, it was a "boy." Generally, I don't indulge in daytime naps unless I'm completely drained. My stepfather believed that napping gifted you two distinct days—one in the morning and another in the evening. I selectively embraced this wisdom.
Though I usually resist napping until I’m overwhelmed with fatigue, I can’t help but think of my stepfather, who I imagine is enjoying a grand nap in the sky now. I wonder whether he's still keeping to his nap schedule or if, in this new realm, he no longer needs to extend his day.
In the video titled "How Napping Can Help You to Live Longer and Improve Brain Function," Charlie Morley explores the correlation between napping and longevity, along with its benefits for cognitive health.
Chapter 2 Benefits of Napping
In "4 Amazing Benefits Of Napping," Charlie Morley shares insights on the positive effects of napping, emphasizing its role in enhancing overall well-being.
