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Original poster

Afternoon snoozes, little lie downs, and going for a rest..

59 replies

DareIask · 20/07/2021 14:22

When I was working it was a retirement dream. That slump after lunch that made me want a snooze to get me through the afternoon made me add it to my list of retirement treats.

But now I am actually retired I haven't done it once! Not during the boredom of lockdown, not now it's baking and sleep at night is hard.

So I'm wondering... do many actually build this in to their day, or is a myth...?

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 20/07/2021 14:25

Maybe it becomes more attractive as you get older, maybe sleep more lightly through the night

Beesneeze82 · 20/07/2021 14:26

My grandad always used to go for 40 winks in the afternoon Grin

AnneLovesGilbert · 20/07/2021 14:26

I love an afternoon nap. Always prioritised it on holidays pre DC and now a point of resting or napping when my toddler does.

My mum swore she was incapable of napping but within a few weeks of retirement she was a pro. My retired dad (they’re divorced) has always loved a nap on holiday but now actively builds it into his day if he possibly can.

Maybe it’s genetic. Maybe you’re less busy than you were and no longer need a rest in the day. Maybe you sleep better at night and feel more rested these days.

Worth having a rest, reading or whatever you enjoy and you may find your eyes closing…

OhtheVulgarity · 20/07/2021 14:26

I can't ever sleep in the daytime, and I'd be surprised if that changes by the time I retire.

BillyRaywasapreachersson · 20/07/2021 14:26

I'm lying on my bed as I type. Mostly because my ankles are larger than my thighs and walking is painful, but I have set my alarm for 3 in case I have a little snooze. I have a nap most days, though often inadvertently - I sit on the sofa after work and wake up dribbling 2 hours later. It's the only part of retirement I'm interested in, so don't tell me it doesn't happen!

Oneearringlost · 20/07/2021 14:30

My DC, all either uni or just post uni. all have "naps".
I can't sleep in the day as wake up too groggy, but DH can literally snooze for 10-15 mins and feel refreshed. I envy him.

Biancadelrioisback · 20/07/2021 14:31

I love a nana nap! If I can fit one in on my lunch break I will.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 20/07/2021 14:32

I love naps. I dont have many anymore (working ft and two small dc), but if the opportunity presents itself I will take it.

I reckon tho on retirement I will have to ration my naps as the more I have the more I want.

Maybe a Weds and Fri afternoons 😀

greatestdancer · 20/07/2021 14:32

I love afternoon naps, when my DD naps I try to as well.

Bryonyshcmyony · 20/07/2021 14:33

I very rarely do this and nor would I want to (I'm 55)

magicstar1 · 20/07/2021 14:35

I have an afternoon nap now when I finish work at 4. Maybe you don't want the nap because you're not working all morning etc.?

Ohdofuckofdear · 20/07/2021 14:36

I usually nap every day and I love it,which is the opposite of when I was younger and usually managed at most about 6 hours sleep a night.

LunaNorth · 20/07/2021 14:37

Get a hammock. I defy anyone to lay in one and not drift off. I’m rubbish at napping, but I’ve just woken up from a lovely shady nap, and I did the same thing yesterday.

Xiaoxiong · 20/07/2021 14:38

I think you're either a nap person or you aren't, whether you're retired or not. DH loves a siesta, whereas I feel groggy and horrible if I sleep in the daytime. Even when the kids were tiny and people would say "sleep when the baby sleeps" I couldn't do it!

ApolloandDaphne · 20/07/2021 14:39

I love an afternoon lie down but I don't often sleep. I just lie drinking tea and chilling with my iPad. I am not doing it now as it is so hot though. I prefer it in the winter so I can snuggle under my duvet.

Shellingbynight · 20/07/2021 14:41

I never do this, however tired I am. I think it's a slippery slope - can't sleep at night, have an afternoon nap, then can't sleep at night. I'm 64.

But my friends who are in their early 70s are nap pro's. You can guarantee they will be having at nap in the late afternoon.

waterlego · 20/07/2021 14:43

I have one occasionally. I’m in my early 40s

MissyB1 · 20/07/2021 14:43

No way I can do this, I would feel very sick when I woke up. Also I’m an insomniac anyway, so napping in the day would be asking for trouble.
Dh can nap for an hour or two and still sleep all night Hmm

Original poster
DareIask · 20/07/2021 14:47

@LunaNorth

Get a hammock. I defy anyone to lay in one and not drift off. I’m rubbish at napping, but I’ve just woken up from a lovely shady nap, and I did the same thing yesterday.
Sounds blissful... 😴
OP posts:
onemouseplace · 20/07/2021 14:47

I love a nap! The key is to get up and move as soon as you start to wake up for the first time after dropping off. I find if I go back to sleep then, I fall into a much deeper sleep and wake up really groggy and it takes me ages to get goig again.

Comedycook · 20/07/2021 14:49

Do this several times a week. I had a nap today...not long, only about 15 minutes.

ChicChaos · 20/07/2021 14:49

One of my nans claimed it was almost worth getting up early for an afternoon nap later on! I am another one who feels more groggy than refreshed afterwards so it's not for me.

gillysSong · 20/07/2021 14:52

I'm 55 and love a nap in the afternoon, but I'm a night owl.
Up to an hour is enough to rejuvenate.

Bryonyshcmyony · 20/07/2021 14:52

I am a bit of a puritan and think sleeping in the day means you must be ill. I literally don't have time.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 20/07/2021 14:54

I'm currently staying with DF and I can say it's a thing. According to him, it's an art, you don't want to sleep for too long. In fact I read an article that the trick is to down coffee then sleep, it takes 25m for the coffee to hit the blood stream.

Oh my god a hammock. Off to google.