MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and
chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.
10 January 2013
Define nap. When does a nap just turn into sleeping or visa versa? Length of time? Time of day? Location? Attire? Other factors?
In my opinion, it's not a nap if any of the following apply:
-It occurs less than an hour after you woke up
-It involves pajamas
-It occurs after 6pm
-It lasts more than 2 hours
-It is done as an escape from reality type thing rather than a need a little rest type thing
-It is a result of overindulgence in substances other than food
None of these factors apply if you are on a plane.
Rules for naps in my house are as follows:
- Clothed, if you are in pajamas, it's not a nap
- On top of the covers, using a throw blanket for warmth
- Must take place between the hours of noon and four pm, not a four hour nap, it just must take place during that time period
- Must lie (lay?) sideways along the bed, which isn't hard for me, because I am not very large and we have a king. Laying sideways conveys for me the sense that this is naptime, not sleeptime.
- All the pillows (both my husband's and my own) are piled around me to resemble a nest.
I used to take naps nearly every day for years, but rarely anymore. I sure do love me some naps, though. I surely do.
My nap cutoff time is more like 4.5 hours at which point it becomes "I slept on my couch accidentally"
Naps can be day or night, with or without pjs, but you have to intend to wake up soon to be a nap.
So if I go to bed at night, sleep 3 hours and wake up, that is not a nap because I meant to be sleeping the whole night.