Naps: Good? Bad? Does napping work for you?

Naps are the new Pilates! Sounds much like me, and I have accepted that I will not be springing out of bed after a full night’s sleep, or a nap. I usually lie down with my two dogs for an hour, sometimes a bit longer. Does more for my depression spending time with dogs who love me unconditionally than therapy. I am on Prozac and have dysthymia. It is what it is. Stretch out, relax. Think, volunteer, pray, read, or yell at the TV news, which is my favorite outlet. My wife feels differently. I think you are fine. I think I’m fine. Convince yourself. Positive thinking...

@wgatap21 and @elwooodsdad have either of you been tested for sleep apnea? Sleep apnea can leave you feeling tired after sleeping. I do have sleep apnea which I treat using a CPAP machine, but some days I still need a nap so it doesn't have to be sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be treated.

Thank you...It's been a long road, but not crazy bad going back years. Kind of born a perfectionist...want to have good feelings all the time or just chill! But as a therapist I've seen for a while has reminded me. WE ALL have our downtimes. If you can figure it out, then you're lucky but either way, you also
know that tomm. is another day. I get it, but still am constantly confused at the timing of these incidents. To rid myself of any of this, I have been on certain meds for 25 yrs., tried TMS, which was cool but wasn't the cure-all...some of it is in the genes(that's life)! Great wife and three great kids(although one
has a more serious mood disorder(call it bi-polar, which they label too many diagnoses!) But he's doing well with certain meds. Honestly I find the whole mind thing fascinating but wish we(The Gov't) spent more $$ and time on mental illness for the sake of The Country!! Won't go on...What I do want to be able to accomplish is mindfulness meditation...just haven't really gone that route. God Bless

Tested twice in the last 15 yrs..Not terrible but needed CPAP...I just couldn't handle it! Looking at a few other things. Thx

I’ve used a bi-pap every night (and afternoon) for the last 12 years, and it has made a significant impact. My naps are a sign of habit and age. I see no need to change, but appreciate your heads up about sleep apnea. It is so widespread and undertreated, and a cpap or bi-pap is such a quick remedy.

@wgatap21 I frequently need to take a nap, but I don’t sleep well. I am up numerous times during the night due to bathroom calls which disrupts my sleep and sometimes cannot get back to sleep. Sometimes I get up early, have breakfast, and go back for a nap if I don’t need to get out for an early water class, and if not then, I often do in the afternoon. Sometimes I am still so tired that I’m woozy and have to skip the class.
I mentioned to my PCP that I’m tired a lot and very frequently need a nap. His response was “What’s wrong with that?”. I guess he just figures that old people need to nap.
If I’m at all depressed or anxious I stay awake for hours, literally.
JK

Sounds like your primary care provider needs to focus on his patient. I have a 72 year old prostate, and take prescription medication to stem the problems that cause nocturnal interruptions. Sleep apnea ever been tested? If not, it should be. Any anti anxiety meds on board? Worth the discussion. I’m not charging for this consult, but it appears your doctor may be overpaid. He works for you, and you need to get his attention or find a doctor who isn’t content to put you on the bottom of his priorities.

Try the cpap again, or have the physician prescribe a bi-pap. The bi-pap forces air when you inhale, and allow a you to exhale without fighting the continuous pressures of the cpap. Their is a difference, and you are not alone having cpap issues. If fighting the pressures is your problem, I suggest you give consideration to this change. Works fine for me. Wouldn’t be without it.

Trust me, and I appreciate your thoughts. This is not my first rodeo. My physician, psychiatrist, and therapist are truly aware of
everything. Over the years other issues have been solved and luckily my health is very good and still play squash and workout regularly.
This actually started with my looking for an opinion on "Inspiresleep", approved by FDA a few yrs. ago. Look it up. It will be the wave of the future, I believe in the long run...but just not yet, I believe. No answer yet. Longer story than I have time to go through. Not sure you read all my posts over the last few days?? Your questions were in the post! Glad to hear you are well.God Bless.

Sorry to have seemingly overlooked issues in your posts, but the issues are some of my issues. I have looked at a device that requires surgical implantation which I suspect that is the “Inspiresleep” product you reference. Interesting, but not for me anytime soon. Pardon me if I have overstepped relative to your medical providers. I confess that which I did read in your posts precipitated my responses. I still suggest a second pass at a physician...My habit is to always get another opinion when issues seem unresolved. Best wishes...