Naps are Good
By Dave Balch, author “Cancer for Two” and 
founder The Patient/Partner Project

     Like many people, I used to think that taking a nap in 
the middle of the day was the same as being lazy, and lazy 
was a very bad thing to be.  I’m not even sure where I got 
that impression, because my parents never took naps that I 
can remember; naps weren’t even a subject of discussion. 
Maybe I just assumed it because of the work ethic that I 
developed, but I definitely had that impression.
     It’s funny that I should have felt that way because I 
have the gift of being able to “power nap.”  If I’m sleepy, 
I can doze off for about 5 minutes and be completely 
refreshed; it could be waiting for the previews to start in 
a movie theater, or it could be in my car (parked, of 
course!) if I am early to an appointment.  I distinctly 
remember sleeping on a noisy, crowded, bumpy school bus on 
the way home from a field trip in the 6th grade!
     The point is that when I got sleepy during the day I 
would fight it.  I’d sit there with my eyes half-closed, 
staring at the computer screen or document or whatever I was 
working on, unable to focus my eyes or think clearly.  Is 
this a good way to be a caregiver?  Do you think I was being 
effective?  Was that the best use of my time?  NO, NO, and 
NO! 
     It was my wife that straightened me out on this one.  
She has always enjoyed a good nap; sometimes 10 minutes, 
sometimes an hour.  It doesn’t matter how long the nap is, 
as long as it does its job, which is to rejuvenate.  She 
works hard in the morning and then, if and only if she gets 
tired, she takes a nap, then continues to work hard 
afterward.  It makes perfect sense to her, and now it does 
to me too!
     I’ve changed my ways.  Now, when my eyes are unable to 
focus and start closing on their own, I get up, go to the 
couch, and take a snooze.  In 10 minutes, literally, I am as 
good as new.  If that sounds lazy to you, think of it this 
way: I’ve invested 10 minutes in order to save the 
afternoon.  Suddenly, it makes sense.
     The bottom line: if you’re tired, take a nap!  There is 
a certain satisfaction you get when you allow yourself the 
pleasure of a nap, and the bonus is that there are sound and 
practical reasons for doing so; you will be more alert, more 
efficient, and less likely to make mistakes.  And knowing 
that you have this option will reduce your stress as well.
     Do you ignore your body when you have to use the 
bathroom?  Of course not!  Don’t ignore your body when it 
needs a short rest.  Thinking that you “shouldn’t need a 
nap” is not going to make your fatigue go away.  
     Take a nap if you need to.  It feels good, and it’s a 
wise investment of your time.

© 2009, Dave Balch  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Dave Balch gives greater understanding and relieves stress 
and restores hope for cancer patients and their families.  
He was caregiver for his wife during four bouts of breast 
cancer and has now dedicated his life and career to helping 
others by founding The Patient/Partner Project. Resources 
include a book “Cancer for Two,” speaking programs, a DVD 
about coping strategies, and free web services.  Subscribe 
to his no-cost monthly newsletter, “Caring and Coping” at 
www.CaringAndCoping.com