Husbands That Nap Regularly

Updated on February 21, 2016
C.M. asks from Denton, TX
80 answers

Moms,
Please help settle this silly debate between my husband and myself....

Does your husband nap regularly, or at least every Saturday and Sunday? Does he talk about wanting to nap all the time?

My husband talks about or naps all the time. He will wake up in the morning and an hour or two later says he wants to nap. He also gets very tired in the car so he can't drive long distances (30 + miles) at a time.

I told him that most men don't nap past the age of 4 and he said every man does. So, I'm asking about your husbands so we can settle this once and for all. I guess if I'm wrong then I will owe him an extra long nap tomorrow :-) Maybe he'll cook for me tomorrow if I'm right :-) :-)

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So What Happened?

Okay...I stand corrected. I truly didn't think other men napped as often. My dad never did and my neighbor's husbands don't but they must be the minority.

As far as me being slightly envious of his nap time...probably. I am a SAHM and my duties with the kids and house are 24/7. I don't remember the last time I was given time to nap, time alone, time for a hair cut or time to rest while being sick. I might be a little more understnading of his naptime then.

So, thanks for answering my questions, Moms. Now I know that I'm not the only one with a napping husband!

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S.A.

answers from Tampa on

Not only does my husband naps at home, whenever we go to friends and families he always falls asleep while sitting on the couch. It's normal.

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K.F.

answers from Dallas on

I didn't read through all the responses but the first thing I thought of was does he have sleep apnea? Apparently it's pretty common. My husband was tested several years ago and sleeps way better, is less tired, and doesn't need as much napping as he used to now that he has a CPAP machine. Totally worth it. On the other hand, I could nap quite often given the chance, some people just need more sleep. :-). And as a fellow SAHM I say trade off with him. Offer him nap time in exchange for "me time" of some sort for you!

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J.D.

answers from Dallas on

My husband takes a nap every sat and sun and i am grateful for that. He works hard and deserves to rest when he has the time.

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

I no longer have a husband so I can't speak from personal experience.
I guess it might depend on how old you are too.
My friends husbands all nap on the weekends if they get half a chance.
They do yardwork, paint the house, do chores, but they also like to lay down and just get some rest.
One of my friends is completely bugged crazy by this. Her husband works all week plus overtime and he gets tired. But, she works too. She is up earlier to deal with their dogs and the kid and on the weekends it's the same thing.
The men I'm talking about are in their 50's or close to it and I guess as we get older, we like a nap now and then.
I nap on the weekends too especially if it's rainy and yucky outside. It's nice to put on a movie and just doze.
Does your husband have sleep or apnea problems that keep him from being rested during the week? One of my friends husbands got a C-pap that he sleeps with. He looks like an alien. It gives him oxygen while he sleeps so he can actually rest. He's a pretty active guy....involved in a million things but he still likes a nap on the weekends.

Maybe there is a reason your husband is so tired. Maybe he just wants to relax. Who knows? It's not the worst thing in the world.
If you feel he might be depressed or have a health issue, it might be something to look into.
All I know is that he's not the only man that naps.
My son is 14, very active and social. He still takes naps. He puts lots of miles on his legs all week not to mention running the mile in PE everyday.
Heck yeah, he takes naps.

It will be interesting to see your other responses.
But, I know lots of men who take naps.
Maybe they are the odd ones, I don't know. :)

Best wishes

P.S. Just in case, have your husband checked for sleep apnea.
One of our friends got in 3 car accidents in two weeks because he fell asleep at the wheel. He was not on any drugs or alcohol or anything. He literally could not make it safely from his office to home without drifting off.
Your husband might have a point about the driving thing.
I think a good thorough physical exam might be in order just to be safe.

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D.B.

answers from Detroit on

I guess the real question would be----would he lovingly allow you an hour or two nap when your exhausted and really need it. My hubby works midnights and sometimes has trouble getting good rested sleep during the day (especially when its warm out). Therefore, if he gets really comfortable relaxing on the couch in the evenings, he'll likely nod off for about an hour. On the flip side, when I've needed a quick nap to keep my sanity, he's all for taking the two boys and letting me rest. Or when he comes home in the a.m. from work and the boys get up and I'm still sleeping, he'll let me just sleep until I feel like getting up.

Just a thought, but maybe he has sleep apnea, where he is not breathing well at night, thereby waking himself up without really even realizing it. Could explain how tired he feels all the time. He may want to check with a doctor about that as sleep apnea can have VERY negative effects on overall health.

Overall, naps aren't all that bad. There are far worse things he COULD be doing with him time. ;)

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R.M.

answers from San Francisco on

My husband loves his naps. However, your husband sounds unusually tired. It might be a good idea to get his thyroid checked.

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L.C.

answers from Allentown on

How did I miss this discussion?! This drives me crazy, my husband naps almost every day. But his office is at home so he can go nap for an hour at the end of the day, when I am spending that same time commuting. However, there is a compromise -- he takes care of our toddler when she wakes early and lets me sleep for an extra hour or two on weekends. So instead of being mad at your hubbies, why not ask them to give you an hour or two to yourselves on weekends?

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

My husband does pass out on occasion, especially if he is watching t.v. with the kids on the couch. He does this because he doesn't get enough sleep at night. He tells me this when he wakes up: " I was really tired, I went to bed really late last night." Oh, really? I went to bed at a reasonable time because I knew I had to get up with the kids at the break of dawn. So why should you get to stay up all night and have fun, and then sleep during the day because you are tired? I don't get to sleep during the day, and I don't think he should either. I know the benefits of naps to our children, when they are young. But when they get older, they eventually stop needing them, and get all of their rest at night, like adults do. If your husband is constantly tired, even after getting what should be sufficient sleep at night, then I would say there is a medical problem and he should see his doctor. It could be his thyroid, or a host of over illnesses that could be causing his excessive sleepiness. If he comes back with a clean bill of health, I would tell him to stop acting like a baby. Good luck!

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S.S.

answers from Dallas on

My husand is also a napper. He simply requires more sleep than I do. It's not that he is being selfish-- it is his physical make-up. Ask your doctor-- different people require different amounts of sleep. I'd love to nap if I could slow down long enough to take one! But he NEEDS to nap. Big difference. Frankly, I don't want to deal with him if he is tired & cranky anyway :) I'm sure there are plenty of lazy people out there who nap rather than help around the house, but it is not always the case. Try to be patient with him & find a middle ground-- I like the dinner idea! Let him nap & then do something for you!

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D.J.

answers from Dallas on

My husband napped a lot. He is 57. Turned out he had high blood pressure.

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J.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

My dad loves to nap when he is babysitting my daughters... he will lay on the couch with them and fall asleep.
I guess you could say my husband naps too... if he's home and sitting on the couch, he will pass out. Must be nice. I could never do that when the kids are awake. :(
Sorry! i thought I was going to say no, but as I was responding, I realized he does!

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J.L.

answers from Milwaukee on

I don't know about most husbands, but my husband needs a nap everyday. He seems to need at least a 15 minute catnap most days. HOWEVER, he has sleep issues at night so the sleep he gets is not restful normally. Because of this, I don't complain much since he is much happier and helpful when he gets those catnaps.

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C.B.

answers from Wausau on

My husband has epilepsy and severe vertigo as a result of a stroke and 2 grand mal seizures. He does not work due to his conditions. He is on 7 prescriptions, which cause him to sleep alot. He naps daily, sometimes more than once, but usually after taking his meds. I, on the other hand, don't get much opportunity to nap, but if I really need one, he supports me completely.

Before his health deteriorated, he napped on weekends and sometimes when he got home from work. His mother says he has always needed more sleep than his 4 siblings.

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A.C.

answers from Washington DC on

My husband naps on average once a week. I nap on average once a week also :) depends on the week. We both are up and out of the house usually between 6 and 7 am (and I mean we are on the road towards work usually no later than 7am). We both have high stress jobs (he's military, I'm medical). And our kids are no longer at an age where an hour or two of them being left unsupervised is dangerous.

All the other men in my life do the same thing :) Lay down on the couch to watch a game and sooner rather than later you can hear 'em sawin logs :)

Not at all uncommon :)

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J.B.

answers from Madison on

haha! My husband is the same way... and yes, I was envious too. Until I enforced nap time for myself as well! Now he takes a nap on Saturday and I take a nap on Sunday. Works out great :)

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K.B.

answers from Houston on

Yep, my husband naps every Saturday and Sunday and weekdays if he is home for one reason or another. Sometimes it's just a quick 30 minutes in front of the TV and sometimes he actually goes to bed and sleeps for 2 or 3 hours.

FYI: My father always took naps, my FIL always took naps, my 2 brothers take naps. My BIL would take one if my sister would let him but let's just say she's not going to allow that :-)

Good luck,
K.

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I know you have a lot of answers and you have already updated but I also wanted to respond. My husband will doze off on the couch on weekends , and sometimes when he has come home from work. He doesn't actually say he needs to nap , but he will sometimes say "I need to rest my eyes" which in effect is a nap!!! , If I try to have a little snooze on the couch it does not happen , as soon as the kids see that my eyes are closed they call me or tap me , but they will leave their dad along.....how does that work???. The fact that he cannot drive for very long without being sleepy is odd though , has he been checked to make sure he's not aneamic or something?

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M.I.

answers from Albuquerque on

My husbands a napper too. Sometimes he'll tell me to wake him in 30 min. which actually means like 2 hours.

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R.L.

answers from Dallas on

My husband is a total napper and he is 31 years old. Sometimes I get jealous because I can't nap, because if makes me feel sick. If he takes a nap, he is refreshed and ready to throw whatever I toss at him; i.e.: diapers, trash, disciplining kids, but if he doesn't get a nap, I feel like I get half a husband. So, let him nap!!!! He must need it! :)

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L.C.

answers from New York on

Why do husbands nap? Because they can. We allow them to do so. If it's extremely excessive though I would encourage him to go to the Dr.
Naps are so frowned upon by American culture but they are actually good for you. When traveling in certain countries It was refreshing to see a nap as a normal part of the day for the whole family. Especially in the summer. The husband would come home from work around 2 ish tired from the day, the wife tired from childcare and chores. Kids grumpy. Everyone would eat a meal and all would take a nap! Even guests in the house at the time would be offered a blanket and the couch to take one! If not, it's time to go home LOL. My husband and I have come up with a system on the weekend that makes life easier for all. On a weekend I get to sleep in and he will make the kids breakfast then later on he takes a nap. If you can't sleep in then tell him "O.K if you need a nap that's fine, but when you wake up I'm going....shopping,walking,visiting a friend alone" Whatever it is. Most husbands should oblige as they don't care as long as they get to sleep. If not however you will just have to start playing some extra loud music at nap time. He will soon take the kids.for you LOL

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Mine naps as well, and I envy him, but he's also the breadwinner and going to school and his sleep schedule is goofy so I get it. You may want to have him get checked for thyroid issues, though, cause he sounds overly tired from your description. Just to be safe, make sure it's not a health issue.

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R.C.

answers from Nashville on

I am glad to see other women are married to men that nap. It doesn’t make me jealous, it makes me angry. I don’t nap unless we are on vacation. There is no time for me to. I used to tiptoe around when the hubby was sleeping and decided it was better to make noise. I have chores and they are going to be done no matter how badly he wants to nap.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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L.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

But....he can still cook for you! Of course, after his nap...lol

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H.D.

answers from Dallas on

My husband naps around twice a month.

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

Hi C.! My husband takes naps on the weekends too if he can, because he is exhausted at the end of the week, and his job requires him to be totally "on" hundred percent of the time. But he doesn't get tired driving or wants to take a nap shortly after waking up. Your husband may have sleep apnea which makes his sleep not as restful or he may have allergies that cause him not to sleep well. He should get that checked out just so it can be ruled out. If he is sleep deprived, it could cause problems later. Best wishes and God bless!

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C.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

my husband wants to nap ALL the time. He gets up early for work and is home by 3pm. He will then want to take a nap till about 5 and then go to bed around 10. It bothers me sooo much because I don't get to relax like that. I actually don't even want to sleep that much. I would miss to many things during the day. So, your not alone.

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S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

This sounds like narcolepsy. It is rarely diagnosed because people don't take the deep need to nap as a sign of illness. I am narcoleptic and I wasn't diagnosed until I was 34, and I had gone to a neurologist for another reason.

I could never drive more than an hour two and never at all during sun up or sun down. There were years that concerts put me to sleep, other years it was movies. The common trigger in all cases was changing light colors.

I was free of the symptoms of the illness for 10 years, but this year it came on again. The trigger right now seems to be crocheting, of all things. I have a half finished blanket that's going to remain half finsihed because now i have kids to take care of and I'm scared to death that I'll need to nap and leave my toddler to his own devices.

I was a great student, but I often napped through my college classes. I was teased by my friends, my boyfriend of many years would get mad, I was embarrassed. I would take pills to stay awake for art history classes and they would make me shake until I succumbed to sleep.

Please don't belittle your husband. Send him to a neurologist.

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S.T.

answers from Dallas on

C. (and others whose husbands take a lot of naps) - do they snore? Have they been tested for sleep apnea? My husband naps a lot too, but he also snores REALLY loudly and I'm convinced he doesn't get enough sleep because of it. He hasn't gone to get a sleep test done, but I'm sure if he did, he would be diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have several brothers-in-law who were in the same boat and now use one of those machines at night & love finally getting enough sleep.

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L.K.

answers from Dallas on

My husband naps regularly. Lol I didn't put any mind to it until just now!

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V.N.

answers from Chicago on

The days my husband works he does not nap. Days that he is at home it is not uncommon to find him sleeping on the couch when my son is sleeping. If he gets up early for golf he most certainly will fall asleep on the couch by 7:30.

He does not talk about napping but denies that he actually fell asleep :)

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A.J.

answers from St. Louis on

When my husband is working stateside he love loves napping...loooooves it. On the weekends he will nap both days for usually 3 or so hours at a time...god forbid he gets woken up before he's ready to be. That there is what we call the Grumpy Bear. I just let him sleep as long as he wants...he works hard during the week and doesn't begrudge me at all if I need to take one myself...never has. This is a man who understands the importance of sleep.
When he's working overseas (which is now until probably a year and a half from now) he works 12-16 hour days 7 days a week. Now that is working hard...really those that don't do it have no idea. He doesn't get to take naps then...and he does miss them. I think I can let him take a few naps when he comes home on break. ;)

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B.C.

answers from Dallas on

Sorry, I'm with the hubby on this one. I LOVE to nap! My husband doesn't nap. Ever. But Im a total napper! My girls are good nappers too (they're 2 and 9).
My sister's hubby can fall asleep at the drop of a hat! You can have a 5 second break in conversation and he's out, so I guess everyone is different.

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K.S.

answers from Wausau on

My husband is a napper also. But have him talk to his doc, I felt the same way and found out I have sleep apnea, and think my husband may have it, too. It isn't just for overweight people. Good luck!!

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K.N.

answers from Austin on

My husband is a very light sleeper and often has choppy sleep at night. He definitely has a different weekend (minimal kid duty) than I do. Sometimes he naps, sometimes he just relaxes (aka: watch tv, computer whatnot). I don't have sleep problems but I try to be understanding... It's easier than being all frustrated at him all the time! (lol!). However, so I can have a break also, I tell him "I'm going to go walking (for exercise) this morning (aka: you're on daddy duty)." or "I have a haircut this afternoon...", etc. You just have to communicate when he's on daddy duty if you want a break.

Good luck!

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

My husband naps every weekday for an hour when he gets home from work. I cook dinner and wake him when it is ready. I never gave it much thought...

I can't complain, i nap in the mornings with my youngest :)

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K.G.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I tell my hubby to go take a nap...he works hard all week on 2nd shift and it does disrupt his sleep. somtimes he will take a 4 hour nap other times he just lays down for some quiet time. He will get things done though so I really can't complain. I too will somtimes lay with him (giggity) when I put our LO down for her nap.

Has your hubby been tested for his sleepiness? Not being able to drive 30+ miles without resting is not normal or safe. Make him an appt with the doc. for his wellbeing.

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J.N.

answers from Lubbock on

Your husband may need to nap. You may need to nap too. ; )

He may be sleep deprived during the week and may be making up for it when he is able to do so. He may have sleep apnea that prevents him from getting the sleep that he needs. He may also sleep to deal with stress. Finally, he may have an undiagnosed medical condition.

That was my case. My husband and I used to fight over the napping issue. I needed more sleep. I would constantly get sick. I would even have these crazy neurological "episodes". One day I collapsed. An ambulance was called and I went to the hospital where they ran a ton of tests.

I was diagnosed with a stroke (and they found evidence of previous ones) and a genetic auto-immune disorder that causes inflammation throughout my body. Evidently, the inflammation had occurred in my brain. Of course, internal Inflammation cannot be seen, but causes extreme fatigue.

After the diagnosis, I have not been sick any more than a normal person. I think getting extra sleep has worked miracles. So it is my strong belief that people should listen to their bodies. Your husband may need this extra sleep. Unless you find that he cannot sleep at night after his naps, don't bug him!

When I think of the arguments that my husband and I had over the naps, it makes me very sad. He could not trust that I needed the naps. It interfered with our relationship. Please don't let something this small affect your relationship.

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J.G.

answers from Amarillo on

I know I am late here but just have to say.....my husband is exactly the same way and I find it very annoying!!!

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L.I.

answers from Dallas on

I am so with you! My husband naps just about all weekend!!! And its not like he gets less sleep than I do during the week either. He often goes to sleep earlier than I do. He just says he's tired. Well okay dear, I'm not tired or anything. I too am a stay home mom 24/7 and would die for a nap!! Every now and then when he'll wake up I'll try to lay down for a little nap before dinner and he'll lay into me that he can't believe I'm trying to nap right before dinner time! If I did it any earlier who would watch our 5 year old?!!! Men!!! I share your pain.

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C.P.

answers from Dallas on

My husband has always been a napper like you describe. The driving thing, though...that sent up red flags as that is a hallmark sign of sleep apnea. He may need the sleep because he simply is not able to get proper sleep at nightime due to OSA. I would encourge you to have him get a sleep study asap. My husband works shift work (weird hours) but since getting his Bi Pap machine he doesn't nap nearly as much.

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J.Y.

answers from Abilene on

My husband usually naps on weekends to make up for time during the week. Long distances is no problem. I'm wondering if your husband has some type of condition. Has he always been that way or are you just noticing recently?

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W.T.

answers from San Diego on

I haven't read the responses, so sorry if it is a repeat.

A couple of things to think about beyond the husband/wife debate.

Is there a chance your husband has sleep apnea and isn't getting the rest he needs at night? Does he snore?

Is there any way he suffers from depression or anxiety, both of which can lead to napping?

I would pursue the sleep apnea angle....no, it isn't normal for an adult that gets a reasonable amount of sleep to want/need to nap that much or be that tired.

I think he needs to consult a physician.

Good luck.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

My Husband has Narcolepsy... so he pretty much has to nap all the time, lol. But he loves every minute of it :). Eh, you get used to it after a while

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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi C.,

My husband dozes of on the couch sometimes on the weekends while watching tv but not during the week. I did want to respond to the part where you said he also cannot drive too long without getting tired. Could he possibly have sleep apnea? He may not be getting quality sleep at night. Or how about getting bloodwork done to make sure he healthy? Maybe he's tired a lot because of anemia, hypothyroidism or something else. Just a thought.... It's a simple procedure to have blood taken. You just have to "fast" for approx. 12 hrs.
Good Luck!

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

My husband is 34 and never naps unless he stayed up all night the night before. I think he gets too little sleep. I'm the one always wanting a nap lol.

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J.M.

answers from Dallas on

It sounds like he might have a sleep problem. He may even need a sleep study. Both my father and father-in-law have sleep apnea and were tired all the time. My husband's father needed to pull over off the side of the road to take a nap so he wouldn't wreck. They both use CPAP machines. This might not be the issue, but it's worth looking into. Sleep disturbances can affect every area of life.

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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

Good grief Charlie Brown. I think that any adult would take a nap if they could. However, I think that most adults reap the most benefits from a mid-day nap. Needing a nap merely 2 hours after waking and going to sleep behind the wheel sounds like a different problem - like not getting an adequate nights rest (7 hrs +/-), not eating enough calories or even narcolepsy.

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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I work 50 hrs/wk doing home daycare and my husband works evenings as a restaurant manager. He gets up with me in the mornings and I stay up for him to get home at night. I'm not a good sleeper, however and am usually up longer than he is and up several times in the middle of the night. On the weekends, when we stay up even later than usual (1-2 am) and get to sleep in with our daughter (9:30-10:30 am), I am the one who takes naps when she does. My husband doesn't complain about my naps, even encourages them and offers to sit alert in the afternoons while the daycare kids are all napping so I can lay down. Oh, and I'm the one who does all the long-distance driving while he reads because I'm just a better driver and have more experience with long-hauls, mountains, etc.
It sounds like the real issue isn't whether he needs/wants a nap. It seems you resent the naps because you want him to be more present for you and your family. I would just talk to him openly about how you feel when he's napping, that you don't want to deny him a nap if he needs one, but would like him to participate more instead of taking so much time just for himself and not giving you time for yourself.
Good luck!

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

I just read an article about someone with chronic fatigue...it turned out that their water from the bathroom sink was the problem. Kitchen sink water was fine, but not bathroom sink. You might have his sink tested...you never know!

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

My husband, who was the stay-at-home-dad until school let out for summer, napped almost daily. When the kids took a nap, he did, too. :)

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D.F.

answers from Boston on

Nothing like a little cat nap in the afternoon!! My husband loves a nap as I do. Take time for yourself once he has refreshed himself with a nap!!

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I don't think my husband has every stated "I'm going to take a nap" then done so, but every so often, he falls asleep while watching TV on the weekends. I usually let him snooze for a while. He works hard and if his body is tired enough to fall asleep, he obviously needs it. I nap, too, if I feel tired. The body knows what it needs and to deprive it of sleep isn't good. Next time your husband takes a nap, try curling up beside him and having a bit of a snooze yourself!

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Y.I.

answers from Dallas on

My husband does exactly the same thing. I used to complain about it because I never take naps. I felt it was a waste of the day, but napping has a lot of benefits. READ BELOW.
Lonie

If you are a mom with small children, you are well aware of the benefits of a nap for your little ones. You know that when they get cranky, whiny, unruly, easily frustrated, or just plain mean, it is time for a nap. And when they wake up later, you usually see a completely different child with a much more pleasant disposition.

So, why can't this work for adults? American society frowns on midday sleep for adults. But, studies show, napping can increase productivity, reduce stress, increase learning capabilities, and lead to improved health. In many European, Latin, and Asian countries, napping is a way of life. In those areas of the world, instead of seeing someone as lazy and unproductive because she has taken a nap, they greet each other with, "How was your nap today?"

For example, in Spain, the entire country has a2-3 hour break from work or school in order to enjoy a huge lunch with several courses, and take a nap or "siesta" from about 2:00pm to 4:30 or 5:00pm. Everyone in Spain enjoys this afternoon break, including government workers and school children. After their nap, everyone returns to their schedule and their day runs longer than ours in the US, however, they embrace this time for rest and recharging their batteries.

New research may suggest that a daily nap may reduce the risk of heart disease due to reduced stress levels. (Dimitrios Trichopoulos, MD.) Scientists and physicians have both researched the Mediterranean culture for years and their low incidence of deaths associated with heart disease. According to Florida cardiologist Gerald Fletcher, MD, of the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, "It makes sense that lowering stress levels with a daily siesta or even a semi-siesta could benefit the heart," he says. "We are increasingly recognizing the importance of sleep in cardiology." (Webmd, 2/12/07.)

There aren't many downsides to napping, but many benefits such as improved reaction time, improved mood, improved concentration, and calmer behavior (patience!). Even if you aren't a daytime sleeper, you'll reap the benefits by stretching out and relaxing for 20-30 minutes just to clear your mind and rest your body - some call this meditation - which produces the same kind of brain waves as light sleep.

The next time you put your child down for a nap, take one for yourself! The laundry, dishes, and the pile of work on your desk will still be there later, and you will feel much more positive and energized about tackling all of the jobs that await you.

Suzanne Wells is an eBay Power Seller, author of "The Stay-at-Home Mom's Gude to Successful eBay Selling," eBay Consultant, and mom of 2 in Atlanta, GA.

Visit my Mom's in Business blog for more tips on how to make the most of your workday if you are a WAHM.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Arant-Wells

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S.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi, My husband is right here and he says that all men nap. I'm sorry to be the one to help you lose, but I can attest to the fact that my husband naps often. More often than I would like, I have learned to deal and sometimes join him!!
Good Luck!!

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K.K.

answers from Springfield on

I have to admit: I can't stand napping in adults and think it's pure laziness. Naturally, if someone has a condition, I will relent my judgement.

I can honestly say that if I found my husband sleeping somewhere when I was working my butt off and he had a long list of things to do, I'd roll his @$$ off the couch or bed and hope he bumped his head.

I think it's 100% ridiculous. Go to bed early or sleep in a little, but otherwise, get up, get your stuff done and then go to bed early again! :-) When I hear someone talking about their naps, my opinion of them goes down - I don't do it on purpose, but that is just the way I feel. (I don't think 'real men' nap, if you know what I mean......................) It's different if you are having movie night and a person dozes off, that seems more normal, it's bedtime and you're relaxing, woops, feel asleep.

Good luck weaning him off his nappies!

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

My husband is exactly the same way. He would nap both Saturday and Sunday if he could- and usually he does! Sometimes I can hear a 4 year old voice in my head shouting, "When do I get MY nap? It's not FAIR!"

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

My husband works very hard all week and of course participates at home each night. On the weekends he works on the house, the cars, plays with all of us and also helps his paretns with projects. He also has abusiness on the side that takes up about 10 to 15 hours a week on top of his own full time job.

He loves to nap, so if he does not get one on Saturday, he takes one on Sunday. I do not know where the rule is that a grown man who supports his family is not allowed to take a nap. It is the least he can request and easy to grant this request.

Now the not being able to drive more than 30 miles because he becomes too sleepy is a sign of something going on with him physically. He is not getting enough sleep, he is having high blood pressure or a thyroid problem. Make sure he has a full physical soon and that he mentions that he is always tired.

I love to nap too. I take a small one each day if possible..

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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

Does your husband snore? If so, he may have sleep apnea, and thus not be getting the sleep he needs at nighttime. While I was growing up, my dad was always falling asleep in his chair in the living room, snoring loudly. Once he was diagnosed with sleep apnea and given a machine to help him breathe at nighttime, however, his energy levels soared and the naps stopped.

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Lol! Maybe not every one of his days off, but at least one of them my husband naps. I think it's more often, but he's right now telling me that's not true ;). He has no problem with car rides, though. It's silly to me! His dad and brother nap too.

One thing you may want him to get checked if it's really bad is his vitamin D. One of my friends found out that was the cause of her over tiredness.

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R.D.

answers from Dallas on

Hi Callli,
Sorry, I've got to side with your husband on this one. I am a faithful "power-napper" myself. It really helps make it through some very long days, especially in the summer. On the other hand, it seems he may like his sleep a little too much if he's talking about it all the time.

Make sure he doesn't have severe allergies & Asthma like I do since the crazy weather we have here in Texas causes so much trouble. There is a simple test called a PFT (pulmonary function test) that can determine his lung capacity. It's as simple as blowing into a machine like candles on a birthday cake. That may be causing his fatigue.
Good luck------what will he be cooking you for lunch?
R.

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D.B.

answers from New York on

My husband naps too. He loves to go the gym and running so he usually naps before or after so he has the energy to do those things. Yes, I get very jealous, that's alot of personal time so when he tells me I take too long to get ready I say tough that is my ONLY personal time.

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B.T.

answers from Boston on

Hey...my husband is napping right now! My hubby loves napping too....,and it drives me crazy!! He works during the week and on the weekend could probably sleep until noon (if I let him ;) ) Who needs that much sleep??? Then a few hours later he would love to take a nap....this drives me insane. I think he grew up with his father napping in a chair and has taken on the roll.
Good luck.

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

my husband rarely naps. He watches movies to relax and I nap to relax (if I can and the kiddos are quiet) but he rarely naps.......I would have thought not but apparently I was wrong too.

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J.B.

answers from Tyler on

My husband may nap after he's worked hard in the yard, but never on a regular basis. He was dragging around, but the doctor found he was low on testosterone in his check up and since taking shots, he's back to his usual energetic self.

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U.A.

answers from Dallas on

I am glad that my husband is not the only one who always needs a nap and complains about being so tired--so now maybe I won't get so mad at him! It's so frustrating to hear him yawn or sigh because as a SAHM mom of 3 kids under age 5 and a cosleeper with all of them--I could use a nap but never get one! Even if I say I'm laying down and the hubby says he'll 'watch the kids,' they come banging on the door eventually. I guess men are just big babies sometimes.

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S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

my husband has probably napped twice since we have been together. he's to worried about not getting things done or not spending enough time with our son (when i was pregnant he was worried that our baby wouldnt know he was because he works all day...i thought that was cute) from the responses it seems like a lot of guys do, but honestly i dont know any

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L.B.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

Just to make you feel better my husband has a strange sleeping schedule period. He's usually asleep by 7 or 8pm most evenings and wakes somewhere around 4am. Plus he naps when he gets home from work and sleeps pretty frequently on the weekends as well. He gets much more sleep than I ever do and obviously he's no help in the evenings when I'm trying to put the kids to bed.
Feel better, the odd nap is nothing compared to my hubby!

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

You might try having him take a sleep study. My husband was tired all the time because he was never entering deep sleep due to sleep apnea. He would wake himself up every few minutes (so the sleep study said). He now sleeps with a breathing machine, sleeps soundly and isn't tired during the day.

Your doctor would be able to direct you where to go to have the sleep study performed. You actually spend the night at the facility and they have you hooked up to all kinds of monitors.

Good luck!

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S.G.

answers from Wichita on

I thought you were talking about MY husband...how funny! Mine does the same thing and it is sooooo annoying! I am sick and tired of having to drive everywhere we go! So please know you are NOT alone!!!!!!

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G.W.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think it's a man thing... I think it's an individual person thing. My husband naps but I don't. My best friend naps, but her husband doesn't. It's just what one person likes vs. another. Hope you can get it all worked out!

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L.F.

answers from Dallas on

Dear C.:

How many hours a day does your husband work and how many hours a night does he sleep? My husband never used to nap, but now that he's working tremendous overtime and getting shorted on sleep all he has to do is sit in front of the TV and he's out. Now my husband does stay awake in the car, thankfully, since he's usually driving!

I would suggest if your husband is getting 8-9 hours sleep a night, or especially if he's getting more than that and still feeling exhausted enough to take naps he needs to see his doctor to see what else could be going on.

L. F., married for 23 years, mom to a 14-year-old daughter

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H.C.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds like to me your husband has sleep apnea. Get him to the doc so they can get him in for a sleep study. Your right its not normal for a healthy adult to want to nap durning the day. Sleep apnea contributes to other health problems too hypertention, diabetes etc b/c your body doesn't get the full rest it needs to repair itself. Good luck and get him to the doc stat!

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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

OH my- LOTS of responses, but this is just UNACCEPTABLE! My husband does NOT nap- he gets sleepy, and so do I! Out of respect I imagine he stays awake so we BOTH can be with the kids together. GEESH! We have 4 young kiddies with tons of energy, so we need to be there for them! Where do all these guys find the time to do it anyway??? Sounds like a bunch of lazy dudes out there! I guess this isn't as much as the "Modern Dad" era as I thought.

And I'll tell you what- he works 7 days a week- and sometimes very late nights- on top of that, he AT LEAST does 50% of the work at home. ...but I knew I got a very awesome "rare" one:)

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

My husband naps on the weekends and when he is off from work. He wakes up early and goes to bed early.

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D.A.

answers from Portland on

My husband sleeps all the time. He does a regular job during the week, 9 to 6 or 7 with an hour for lunch. He comes home and falls asleep. He often will sleep in front of the tv and get ticked when the kids are playing and making noise. He usually comes home and turns on the tv and is asleep within 10 minutes.

He will take about 3 naps between work and bed almost every day. I'm a SAHM and to my hubby that means I take care of the kids and he doesn't have to do much.

I get so frustrated with him because he is always napping and yelling at the kids or me for making noise. He could go to the bedroom and nap if he doesn't want to be disturbed. I would like a break now and then, too. I find I stay sick for weeks when I have a cold, because I have to still take care of the kids and house and cook. I have to say, I don't always get everything done and often refuse to cook when I'm tired. That is the only way I can get some break. We go out to eat and I can relax just a little.

You aren't alone and I'm not either.

G.S.

answers from Cleveland on

OMG! Your husband too?! :) Mine tells me that his body just needs more sleep than mine does. Yes, you are not alone on your thoughts on sleeping husbands and the irritation they cause.

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H.W.

answers from Provo on

Hey C. - I can't read through 74 replies to see if this has been addressed. My husband also naps - typically whenever I mention that I'm exhausted. It still irks me, but not as much as when it first started happening. He's getting better at letting me get naps too, and will encourage me to even hire babysitters so I can get naps while he's at work.

We found out a few months after his exhaustion became really bad that he's diabetic. I did read one response below and the lady said that her husband had a medical condition too. You may want to see if there's something else going on with your husband. Exhaustion can be a sign of diabetes, depression, chronic fatigue, and many other things.

Since your own exhaustion is real, it's best to talk to him about how important it is that you be rested. See if he's willing to work something out - let you go to bed early or hire a neighbor kid during the day so you have a few hours alone. Anything. Then see if he's willing to address a possible medical condition.

My husband is doing much better - because he has medication and watches his blood sugar, but also because I've been completely honest about my needs - without bagging on him or his own needs. Good luck!

Oh, if you want to do a home test, most pharmacies will give you a little kit of Freestyle Lite for free. It's a blood sugar tester. Check first thing in the morning and if his blood sugar is above 200, he should see a doctor. Normal is below 120.

K.E.

answers from Spokane on

This sounds exactly like my hubby---He has been diagnosed with narcolepsy, due to a brain injury. He was in a terrible accident when he was 18, and has since recovered very well. We thought he was having seizures, but it turned out to be narcolepsy. You should probably lighten up on him, even if he has no medical reason to take naps. If he's sitting in his butt and not supporting his family, that's one thing. But if he's working hard to provide for his family, give the guy a break.

K.

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B.D.

answers from New York on

Yes! My husband loves to nap on the weekends, on vacation, almost any chance he can get. He says he is going to sleep for 30 minutes but his nap is usually about 2 hours. He loves to nap!!!!

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