Napping with Diabetes

LGK_october_A_eReport_800My husband just forwarded this to me in an e-mail. He wanted to rub it in because I’m not a napper and I give him a hard time for taking naps. Now he has some ammunition, because this little blurb says that naps are better than coffee: 20 minutes improves alertness, 30 to 60 minutes may boost memory and improve decision-making skills, and 60 to 90 minutes may help people solve creative problems. I can just see him gloating in his office right now (or maybe he’s napping)!

The truth is I’ve never been a napper: once I’m up, I’m up. My son is the same way. But I acknowledge that many people enjoy naps. Here’s the article about the benefits of napping, that provided the information in this poster.

I have written before about the importance of sleep, and how lack of sleep or poor sleep can interfere with blood glucose levels and health in general. To recap, though, not getting good or enough sleep can lead to higher blood glucose levels; lack of energy for managing diabetes; lower immune system (more risk for colds, infections, etc.); and even heart disease.

I like to get all my sleep at night – and I’m pretty serious about getting 7 to 8 hours every night. But for those who don’t get enough sleep at night (for whatever reason), napping is a good way to boost the amount of sleep.

If you are a napper, I have some questions: When do you nap? How long do you nap? How many days per week do you nap?

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