[CantExplain]

Rumour has it that as folks get older, they start taking naps in the afternoon.

1. At what age does this start?
2. Is there any point in fighting it?

[BPandMe]

Hi Big Poppa,

I've been wondering and asking my Pdoc the same. Before being diagnosed with BP I napped EVERY day. I was taking Wellbutrin and clonazepam, I was also depressed at the time.

After diagnosis, I was weaned off of clonazepam and given Divalproex, the napping stopped for three months. Now I'm in the transition of meds trying Tegretol starting today, but my napping has returned over the past two weeks of weaning off.

I believe in my case, it is a combination of clonazepam, which I started again for anxiety (which makes me drowsy), and depression starting to cycle again. Not to mention waking up at 4:00am....that doesn't help.

In short, I'm 42 and have three sons, the doc says sometimes your body needs a little extra boost in the afternoon. As long as it's not more than a power nap, he said go for it. When I do sleep it's usually an hour and a half....a little more than a power nap

Don't beat yourself up over needing a snooze now and then, if it becomes habitual, then the doc said to rethink what may be the cause.

Good luck

[vans1974]

I think that's a fair asumption! Nothing wrong with it!

[Thunder Bow]

I am 66yo. and only take an afternoon nap if I did not sleep much the night before.

[happiedasiy]

Dear Can't Explain,

Growing up I always took afternoon naps but I think it was more of mother needing a break.
Until I became school aged. But also on Sundays from an adopted Italian family after a large meal everybody took a Siesta.
Ciesta /Siesta means "midday rest".

All over the world especially in warm/hot climates this is the norm.

As long as you are not caring for children, I say enjoy it!
It has been written in medical journals Cardiologist say patients have benefited from naps.

Certain medications for anxiety can make you drowsy and tired. If you need a nap take it
and you can set your alarm clock so you don't sleep too long.

And do not feel shameful about taking a nap. That will defeat the purpose.
A hour or so is good, more than 1 1/2 talk to the doctor.

For senior people they may need a little longer because many have trouble staying asleep through the night.

Everybody is different, some people are night owls, some people need more/less sleep.
Healthy sleep is when our bodies awaken and feel refreshed.
H.

[CantExplain]

Originally Posted by happiedasiy

Certain medications for anxiety can make you drowsy and tired.

Does that include Prozac?

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by CantExplain

Does that include Prozac?

I'm not a big fan of Prozac! For me Prozac made me very tired, anxious, flat, and hungry!

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by CantExplain

Does that include Prozac?

When do you take it, morning or night? How, are your nighttime sleep habits?

Does, it come with a drowsy, warning label?

Benzos, can cause drowsiness.

For me, Celexa, even taken in the morning, caused nighttime, wakefulness.

About naps, sometimes, necessary, to recharge. From teens, to close to forty, I can use one, here or there.

Pay attention, to it's pattern. Too often, requires a reevaluation of why.

Sent from my LG-MS910 using Tapatalk 2

[CantExplain]

I never took more than one a day, in the morning.
I'm coming back off Prozac. Maybe that will help.

[happiedasiy]

Originally Posted by CantExplain

Does that include Prozac?

Dear Cantexplain,

Yes. Prozac will make you tired, therefore the naps.
The questions I would ask is why it was prescribed and if you
are on other medications.
Also what are your circumstances and do the naps interfere with
your life?
I am 41 and I take naps when needed.
But like healind4me said most anti anxiety meds have the same
warnings on the labels.
There are differences also, so talk to your dr. Never stop taking your meds without seeing your dr.
Sincerely,
Happiedasiy

[CantExplain]

I'm seeing my doctor on Monday.

[CantExplain]

My doctor says, if I were sleeping badly, my wife would know.

Also, running out of steam in the afternoon suggests a physical problem, not a psychological one.