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postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - fillmore50 - 11-05-2021
I have always felt like taking a nap after lunch. Pretty much all my life. Small lunches may make the need to take that quick nap less pressing, but it's still there.
To me, the postprandial nap (even if just a power nap) has always felt like when Windows 95 called for a reboot, like in nothing freaking works until you restart your PC.
My doctor says that there is no problem with the nap, if that's what makes me feel better, while my sleep doctor says that now that I have my CPAP and that I have the situation under control, those naps are absolutely NOT OK. If I wake up to early in the morning, I should take a pill of Remfresh and go back to bed, but get out of the postprandial nap habit.
Who is right? Because of Covid, I've been WFH for 18 months and the nap was easy, but now that I'm going back to the office, it's a problem, as taking a nap is not easily done.
What's your take? Should I train my body (and brain) to deal without the afternoon nap? I feel that my brain works a lot better after sleeping (and coffee), but maybe it's just a question of getting used to the new regimen. What does science say about this?
Thanks
Fillmore
RE: postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - pholynyk - 11-05-2021
I can't imagine what taking a melatonin pill at 5 am would do the the rest of the day... especially a slow release version
OTOH, it doesn't do anything for me in the evening either...
RE: postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - Jeff8356 - 11-05-2021
Melatonin "sort-of" works for me, but I would not suggest taking it in the early morning. That would probably make me fall asleep at work (thankfully I'm retired).
But if you want to experiment try it on a weekend and see how it goes.
RE: postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - Elgeeone - 11-05-2021
My husband has recently had sleep changes. Instead of 12 hours a night (Parkinism) he self shifted into a 7 hour night and a 2-3 hour afternoon nap. He’s retired, so not an issue. Brought it up to primary doctor who told us to research “biphasic” sleep. Apparently that was the way of the earth until artificial lighting became a thing a few hundred years ago. Worth a search and something to mention to your doctor to back up your experiences? YMMV
RE: postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - Dormeo - 11-05-2021
You can google this topic and find medical advice pointing in both directions, just as your two doctors do.
Would it be impossible for you to nap at work? If so, then you'll need to adjust, whatever the medical consensus of the moment. A couple of ideas: take a walk after lunch. And maximize your chances of getting an adequate amount of sleep at night. (You should aim for between 7 and 8 hours minimum.) Here are guidelines that can really help:
• Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.
• Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
• Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy.
• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
• Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
• Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.
• Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. If you are hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
• Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
• Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.
• Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.
RE: postprandial nap (my doctors disagree apparently) - quiescence at last - 11-05-2021
Great advice of others, including Dormeo. Those things may help to adjust your sleep schedule to meet social norms, or expectations. Most of my adult life, I have been biphasic. I am not the least bit upset about it.
Hope you get the result you are after.
QAL