When we finally got home, I decided that I was fed up with feeling this way, and I didn't want my wife to deal with my stupidity either. Seeing no other options at the time, I went into my bedroom and tried to go to sleep. It was then I realized I was exhausted. I could barely keep my eyes open.
Once awakening FOUR hours later, I felt completely changed, and ready to face the world again. I fight fatigue all week long, and it's not because my job is boring. It's something we all have to face and fight. But, when I start fighting fatigue during periods of time when I can rest, I start to have problems. And I'm not the only one. Check out this blogger. He says the same thing I do, and I'm sure I'll not be hard pressed to find more like him and I.
And then there's the concept of a siesta. Italy has one (source): "A siesta can be taken anytime during the day but typically it is when the sun is at it's hottest so anytime between 12 and 2pm and often after lunch." There's even an entire Wikipedia article based on it and the importance of naps! Artists have created paintings of them too:
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| Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Die_H%C3%A4ngematte.jpg |
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| Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_migdiada.jpg |
So, what happened? Other countries have siestas. Not all (which includes us) but some. There is no denying that sleep is important. So why do we ignore dream time? In fact, we even chastise those who are using their time for sleep, even a short ten minute break from consciousness. This woman describes a story about how her husband does not approve of her napping habits. She, at one time, even tried to stop her "habit" of napping, but wound up having to do it in secret. In her own home!
The working world is a world obsessed with time and productivity, even if such "values" diminish our ability to effectively deal and utilize both metaphorical resources. Would it be a crime to allow a twenty minute, non-paid optional nap break? Also, would it be wrong if workers chose to use lunchtime, or time before and after shifts to sleep?
As far as the working world is concerned, yes. Not only is it wrong, it's a heinous crime. Why? In all honesty, the world is simply going to get faster and more complex. People will have to do twice as much with the twenty four hours we are allotted each day, and eventually we will all wear ourselves out.
What do you think? Do you think I'm right, or I'm just cranky and need a nap?
