Afternoon Napping

How many people take naps in the afternoon? 

I've been doing a bit of research and realise that there are entire nations who sleep in the afternoons, only they call it a siesta.  The habit of siesta may have evolved from the needs of people living in hot climates to avoid the midday hot sun, but it has had some unexpected benefits.

Men who nap for at thirty minutes every afternoon show a marked decrease in heart attacks and heart disease.  There are no similar collected statistics for women.  Why?  I think it's because women feel a much greater need to keep going and not give in to the natural lull in our body rhythms in the afternoons. After all, in those hot equatorial and mediterranean climates it's always been the family mama that prepares the midday meal and cleans up while the men of the house repair to the couch/bed for a peaceful nap.

In my research I also found a group of scientists calling themselves the International Hibernation Society and read some of the long discussions about human hibernation.  If a short nap is good for you, what would 18 hours a day of sleep do?

Even though my mood swings are much improved this winter, I am increasingly sleepy in the afternoons. This is partly because I am home where it's warm and very comfortable, but I certainly have to fight the nodding off post-lunch while I am working.

I love the idea of gathering supplies, books, magazines,my knitting, the phone, computer, ipod, pens, paper, food, snacks, warm drinks and the TV listings to my bedroom and only emerge to further hunt and gather.

I am so tempted by this idea that I am on my way now. Pleasant dreams...