Since my health challenges began a couple of years ago, I’ve discovered the power of short naps. Living with an amputation and diabetes, combined perhaps with getting older, means I need several naps throughout the day, and they make a world of difference.
With the amputation, I’m putting more strain on my remaining leg. I’m walking further and more intensely than before. I’ve read estimates that the workload on the remaining limb can increase by 30 to 50 percent. And with diabetes, I experience fatigue related to my diet and how my body processes food.
My first nap is usually not long after I wake up. After getting sick, I’ve gradually shifted my wake-up time earlier, now around 5:30 or 6 a.m, as I did previously. I get up, check my blood sugar, take my medication, have breakfast, and then go back to sleep for a while. I find that after this short second sleep, I wake up feeling completely rejuvenated and ready for the day. It’s truly transformative.
Sometimes I’ll have another short nap later in the morning, maybe just five or ten minutes.
Then another after lunch, and one more in the late afternoon before dinner.
These frequent naps probably indicate my body needs extra rest, or perhaps they’re related to fluctuating blood sugar levels – something I need to explore further. But I also know they significantly improve my quality of life. Just a short period of rest leaves me feeling refreshed.
Of course, I also have longer, more restorative naps, especially on weekends or days off.
I realize everyone’s experience is different, but this is my reality now: incorporating these intermittent periods of rest into my day. Beyond the physical rejuvenation, I find them mentally restorative as well. Taking a moment to close my eyes, relax, and reflect is beneficial for my mental well-being.
So, my message is this: if you feel the need for a nap, there might be underlying medical reasons to consider. But also, don’t underestimate the positive impact naps can have on your life.
