The DPS News reported on 19 July 2012 in their article Daytime naps linked to dementia; “International neurologists have warned taking frequent daytime naps and sleeping too long at night could be early warning signs of dementia, or even contribute to the condition of the brain.” Read more…
Maybe the Nana Naps I’ve started taking recently need to stop??? Unfortunately, without them, I can no longer function for a whole or even half a day as the paddling below the surface is getting much harder for me. The water this swan is sitting on seems to have much more turbulence and my legs (brain) have to work more. I’ve been getting up before 6am most days, trying to get as much done that requires ‘thinking’ before my brain simply stops. It is frustrating, and annoying, and the idea of having to give up some of my goals is repugnant, meaning I simply have to find new ways to battle the storm or torrent.
The daily grind of finding and trying new ways to paddle and new ways to rest that enhance my abilities has become paramount to my sense of well-being, and my ability to achieve meaningful things. Dr Seligman’s PERMA principles have never before had so much significance, as for me, without meaningful engagement there would be no reason to fight the symptoms of dementia.
In Seligman’s book Flourish, there was a message on page 20 that also resonated with me; “Other people are the best antidote to the downs of life…” and “doing a kindness produces the most reliable momentary increase in well-being of any exercise we have tested.” Volunteering definitely ensures my own feeling of well-being is retained and is one way I find helps me overcome the emotional burden of dementia. It is so much easier to feel ‘lucky’ and thankful when helping someone worse off.
So I think I’ll have to stick with my Nana naps, and accept that they can’t cause dementia, as that diagnosis is already on the table, and for now, they are helping me to function. And the positive psychology is with me to stay, and has been for a long time. When I visited my parents for a few days earlier this year, dad kept referring to me as a ‘little ray of sunshine’, and this gave me such a sense of love and warmth it has stayed with me, and inspires me to work every mental and emotional muscle I have to keep seeing the glass half full.
My Grandma wants my Grandad to have “Grandad naps(!)”, but he doesn’t want to, however, he does sometimes fall asleep during the day. I, personally, am fine with him having/not having “Grandad naps(!)-doesn’t bother me at all.
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It’s his life…
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Agreed!
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As a carer for someone with dementia I have been warned to keep her from taking naps as she often wakes up at 4.30am but I have always felt it would be cruel to stop her. She is also elderly so I guess it is also a normal thing. I do fear for her walking around alone in the house at 4.30am, possibly not knowing where she is etc but knowing that it might give her a rest from mentally struggling and energy to keep going makes me feel better for ignoring her s sneaky naps 😉 Thanks for the 1st hand advise. It is priceless
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Hmmm, well the nana naps do increase the night time restlessness, but going without them is almost impossible for me now. Whatever works for each person simply has to be ok! 🙂
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And I’m so glad to see you are still blogging xox
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What a lovely message Kate …… really lovely. You have such an admirable personality 🙂
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Thanks dear friend 😉
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Even when you are asleep you think more than most people I know. Love you forever.
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not so sure about that anymore, but thanks for your love and support xx
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dear kate, yes you are certainly a ray of sunshine in my eyes to and much much more, the love of your parents and many many friends will certainly keep your glass half full. keep up the nanna naps dear one if they keep you on the up.whatever works for you. you are in our thoughts each day and we think of little things and sayings. we have said or done on our visits together and have a good old laugh.
To the moon and back xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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as you both are in ours. love you to the moon and back too xox
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