National Napping Day

Relaxing shot of a person peacefully napping on a cozy hammock, surrounded by fluffy pillows and a serene outdoor setting.. — National napping day illustration

Did you ever find yourself nodding off at your work desk after a sumptuous lunch? Or maybe supress an irresistible urge to snooze during a seemingly never-ending conference call? Fear not, dear reader, as such feelings are about to be legitimised on ‘National Napping Day’. A day that practically gives you a free pass to catch some Z's in the middle of the day!

When is Napping Day?

It's national napping day on the 13th March.

History of National Napping Day

Dreamed up in 1999 by a Boston University Professor and his wife, William and Camille Anthony, National Napping Day beautifully coincides with the day after Daylight Saving Time begins, when most people are adjusting to losing an hour of sleep. The Anthonys not only wanted to highlight the health benefits of catching some midday shut-eye but also wanted to eliminate the societal stigma associated with napping.

Nap away, the internet says!

Our data backlight (yes, we love to count sheep, too) indicates that a whopping 76502 online mentions were recorded related to National Napping Day. The most came pouring in on 13 Mar 2017 – quite the catnap carnival! Clearly, the allure of this day and the sweet siren call of sleep is too much to resist for the hard-working netizens.

Beyond the Bed: A few fun ways to celebrate

If napping is not your cup of tea, you could still participate in the festivities by discussing your most humorous napping stories with friends and colleagues. Some might confess to dozing off during the most crucial scene of a movie, while others may have been caught by their boss during an unscheduled power nap at work. The possibilities are endless and guaranteed to be filled with laughter!

History behind the term 'Napping'

1815

Early Origins

The term 'napping' finds its roots in the early 19th century. It comes from the Old English word 'hnappian' which means to sleep lightly or to doze. Napping refers to taking a brief sleep or rest during the day.

1950s

Napping Culture

In the mid-20th century, napping started becoming more popular and widely accepted. Public figures and celebrities began praising the benefits of napping, leading to its cultural acceptance as a rejuvenating practice. Napping started to be seen as a way to boost productivity and enhance mental well-being.

1970s

The Power Nap

During the 1970s, the term 'power nap' emerged. A power nap refers to a short nap of around 10 to 20 minutes, aimed at refreshing and reenergizing the body and mind. The idea of the power nap gained popularity in the corporate world as a way to combat fatigue and increase productivity during work hours.

1990s

The Siesta Surge

The late 20th century saw the rise in popularity of the siesta, especially in European and Latin American cultures. A siesta is a traditional afternoon nap, often lasting a couple of hours, commonly practiced in countries like Spain, Italy, and Mexico. The term 'siesta' gained recognition globally, highlighting the cultural importance of midday napping.

Present Day

Napping as Self-Care

In the present day, napping has become synonymous with self-care and wellness. Research studies have shown the numerous benefits of napping, such as improved cognitive function, enhanced memory, reduced stress, and increased creativity. Many workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities now encourage nap-friendly environments to promote well-being and performance.