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Today is National Napping Day. Since Daylight Time Savings was yesterday March 14th, we all can feel a little bit jet lagged. National Napping Day is the perfect day to recuperate from the “spring forward.” Napping is scientifically proven to be better for you than coffee or energy drinks. So now you can feel less guilty about enjoying this not so guilty pleasure. You may have lost that extra hour in the day but you can feel like you caught up on some sleep by celebrating the day in style. 

National Napping Day was created in 1999 by a Boston University professor and his wife. William Anthony Ph.D and his wife Camille Anthony created this holiday to spread awareness on the importance of getting enough sleep and its benefits. The holiday was meant to help make up for the amount of sleep lost when the hour changes. The date was chosen because studies have shown that people are already at their most tired and sleep deprived after daylight savings changes. The change of the hour really makes a difference, but National Napping Day can make you feel like there was no change at all. 

Even though this holiday wasn’t created until 1999, the Spanish had already had the tradition of taking an afternoon “siesta.” That’s good news for Spain since daylight saving won’t affect the routine of people there too much. The Ancient Romans were known to take midday naps as well. Naps are seen as luxuries now, a symbol of extra time most of us cannot afford. Although National Napping Day isn’t technically a real holiday, who doesn’t love a reason to nap?

Bellwood-Antis Senior Andy Miller says: “Napping is an activity I absolutely love doing. The pure joy I feel laying down for a nap after a long day of school is immeasurable. It just hits differently. This day really means a lot to me and I make sure to celebrate with a long, nice nap.” 

Celebrate National Napping Day by turning off your phone to get some z’s in. I know that may sound difficult but it helps. You can also make a sleeping playlist to help us relax and fall asleep faster. Also you can celebrate by just taking a nap. Enjoy this day while it lasts!!