March 9
National Napping Day
A fun observance on the Monday after Daylight Saving Time begins promoting the health, mood, and productivity benefits of napping to help Americans recover from the lost hour of sleep.
William Anthony and Camille Anthony
Individual Initiative
William Anthony, a professor at Boston University, and his wife Camille Anthony founded National Napping Day in 1999 via a BU press release. They established it to help Americans adjust to the lost hour of sleep from Daylight Saving Time and raise awareness of napping's health benefits.
Introduction
Get ready to embrace the bliss of a well-deserved snooze on March 11, as we celebrate National Napping Day! This rejuvenating holiday was actually established in 1999 by William Anthony, a Boston University professor, and his wife, Camille Anthony. They created the day after realizing the health benefits of a short nap and to overcome the negative view on napping. According to them, a short nap maximizes productivity rather than being a sign of laziness. So, whether you're curling up in your coziest blanket, or grabbing 40 winks on your lunch break, let's honor the simple, restorative power of the humble nap together! Let National Napping Day be your guilt-free ticket to a refreshing break!
National Napping Day Timeline
How to Celebrate National Napping Day
1
Create a dreamy nap environment
For this National Napping Day, prioritize your comfort and create a cozy napping environment. Use soft pillows, comfortable blankets, and make sure the room temperature is just right to induce a deep, restful nap.
2
Use calming scents
Enhance your napping experience by incorporating calming scents such as lavender or chamomile. Essential oils, scented candles, or even a spray bottle with your favorite scent can create a soothing ambiance for your nap.
3
Listen to relaxing sounds
The use of calming sounds such as white noise, gentle music, or the sound of rain can greatly enhance your napping experience. Whether you're using a sound machine or a mobile app, let these soothing sounds guide you into dreamland.
4
Go for a nature nap
For a unique twist on napping, consider taking your nap outdoors in a peaceful, natural setting. Whether it's in a hammock, a comfortable lounge chair, or simply on a blanket under a shady tree, the fresh air can help you relax and enjoy a refreshing nap.
5
Host a virtual nap party
In this day and age of social distancing, hosting a virtual nap party can be a fun and unique way to celebrate National Napping Day. Set a time, send out online invitations and enjoy a collective nap with friends and family from the comfort of your own homes.
Why We Love National Napping Day
Napping improves health and productivity
National Napping Day is a celebration of the positive impacts of napping, dispelling the idea that it's a sign of laziness. Instead, research shows that a short nap can improve mood, boost creativity, reduce stress, and increase productivity. It's a day to recognize the health benefits of restful sleep during the day.
National Napping Day is just plain FUN!
What's not to love about having a guilt-free excuse to grab 40 winks at any time of the day? It could be on a cozy couch, in a hammock, or even at work! This day adds a touch of joy and relaxation not usually allowed in our often hectic everyday lives.
National Napping Day encourages self-care
National Napping Day promotes the concept of taking care of oneself by highlighting the need for rest and relaxation amidst our busy lives. On this day, we're reminded to slow down, pay attention to our body's needs, and prioritize health and wellbeing, one nap at a time.
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Monday | |
| 2024 | Monday | |
| 2025 | Monday | |
| 2026 | Monday | |
| 2027 | Monday |
