Napping?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,649
Napping?
Someone started a thread about feeling tired in recovery. Vitamins were suggested and diet changes.
My problem isn't tiredness or chronic fatigue: my energy level is pretty high just about all day long.
I finally got the sleep problems sorted out: the withdrawal insomnia ended after about a week.
Now, I notice that I am taking at least one nap during the day for 15 or 20 minutes. Not every day, but, every other day or so.
After meals I sometimes get this overwhelming urge to take a nap. Sometimes I can take a nap, and then I have a short and restful sleep.
It's fantastic to actually be able to take a nap after all the years of being too drunk and too exhausted to take a nap! It's fantastic to not fall asleep because I am passed out or blacked out. that, I am grateful for.
But, is this going to be a regular feature of a sober life? Has anyone else experienced this in recovery?
My problem isn't tiredness or chronic fatigue: my energy level is pretty high just about all day long.
I finally got the sleep problems sorted out: the withdrawal insomnia ended after about a week.
Now, I notice that I am taking at least one nap during the day for 15 or 20 minutes. Not every day, but, every other day or so.
After meals I sometimes get this overwhelming urge to take a nap. Sometimes I can take a nap, and then I have a short and restful sleep.
It's fantastic to actually be able to take a nap after all the years of being too drunk and too exhausted to take a nap! It's fantastic to not fall asleep because I am passed out or blacked out. that, I am grateful for.
But, is this going to be a regular feature of a sober life? Has anyone else experienced this in recovery?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 2,216
Hey Littlefish!
I've been taking naps for about 20 years!!! (It all started when my kids were young). I feel blessed that I have the luxury of doing so. Plus, after the stresses of the day, I feel like I'm starting fresh and relaxed. I don't see it as a problem, unless it's causing you to just fall asleep unexpectedly. I think it's called apnea or something. If you're concerned, you might ask your doc.
I've been taking naps for about 20 years!!! (It all started when my kids were young). I feel blessed that I have the luxury of doing so. Plus, after the stresses of the day, I feel like I'm starting fresh and relaxed. I don't see it as a problem, unless it's causing you to just fall asleep unexpectedly. I think it's called apnea or something. If you're concerned, you might ask your doc.
Dismember
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Mitten, USA
Posts: 1,641
I haven't taken naps since I was a kid. Even then, so my mother tells me, I put up plenty of resistance! I always feel groggy and tired after naps, so I just avoid them.
I'm dedicated hardcore to my 8 hours of sleep. My sleep schedule is pretty rigorous. There were even arguments in a past relationship, where I'd nod off mid-conversation at night, and be wrongly accused of having been drinking (granted, "yes!", often that would be the case too!)
I'm dedicated hardcore to my 8 hours of sleep. My sleep schedule is pretty rigorous. There were even arguments in a past relationship, where I'd nod off mid-conversation at night, and be wrongly accused of having been drinking (granted, "yes!", often that would be the case too!)
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 1,340
Tommy, that is some willpower right there. I bet it improves the quality of the nap too!
I just love naps. I have two cats and they are my napping role models. Something I have wondered is why sleeping is especially good on a couch as compared to my bed? I have a comfortable bed. The couch isn't that comfy of a couch. But man, I do some good sleepin there. Maybe I'm just a rebel.
I just love naps. I have two cats and they are my napping role models. Something I have wondered is why sleeping is especially good on a couch as compared to my bed? I have a comfortable bed. The couch isn't that comfy of a couch. But man, I do some good sleepin there. Maybe I'm just a rebel.
Seriously Fun!
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: California coast
Posts: 415
It could be medically related too. Be sure to have your iron level checked, and sugar levels. Getting sleepy after a meal can be blood sugar related.
Now I love a good nap too. Sometimes all I need is my "power nap". A good 15-20 minutes. Other times...I'm out for an hour or two. Usually if I am fighting a cold or something. Or like yesterday...having a tooth extraction. It is a shock to the body. I needed that nap, and it felt good.
Now I love a good nap too. Sometimes all I need is my "power nap". A good 15-20 minutes. Other times...I'm out for an hour or two. Usually if I am fighting a cold or something. Or like yesterday...having a tooth extraction. It is a shock to the body. I needed that nap, and it felt good.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
I'm not new to being sober. My first poison was alcohol, the second was ops after a severe injury. I do remember how precious my naps were to me. I could be ready to tip over and felt like I would never wake up, but just 20-30 minutes and I felt like a new woman. I'm pretty sick right now getting sober again so my naps last all of 2 minutes, but I can't wait to the day I can treat myself to them again. My non-medical opinion is that a quick cat nap can do wonders for te body and mind. Funny how when we feed our addictions, even simple pleasures like naps are hard to come by.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,649
Thanks for all the feedback: I don't see the napping as a med problem. Like I said: it is a gift to have my body/brain do something normal again! I suppose it is natural to see changes, now that I am not putting my liver through the alcohol/sugar rush all day long....
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
Originally Posted by littlefish 
Thanks for all the feedback: I don't see the napping as a med problem. Like I said: it is a gift to have my body/brain do something normal again! I suppose it is natural to see changes, now that I am not putting my liver through the alcohol/sugar rush all day long....
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