Sleeping, ideally napping, is an essential part of growing, especially when we were kids. As time went on, we outgrew our so called “childish” sleep schedule, gradually slept less and less, to where naps were completely eliminated. Teenagers and adults get roughly 6-7 hours of sleep a night, which is 2 times less than what we used to have. This is troubling, because the effects of long term sleep deprivation are real. Studies have shown that having less sleep doesn’t only make you grump and groggy, but will drain your mental abilities and put your physical health at risk. Some of these risks are memory issues, trouble concentrating, mood swings, weakened immunity to diseases and bacteria, weight gain, and even heart disease. With all these risks at hand, why do people still choose to sleep less? This is simply because of the work ethic instilled in Americans. Long before the Industrial Revolution, hunters and gatherers would work based on their environment and needs. For example, people would hunt only when needed, and move around when there is a specific cause. With this flow, people created a well balanced and sustainable life style. Now, since we cannot choose when or when not to work, our best option is to turn to napping. Napping reduces fatigue, improves your mood, and boosts physical and mental performance. Growing up, I experienced a lot of sleep anxiety to where some nights I would lay in my bed, trying to fall asleep. This has tremendously affected my ability to function throughout the day. I tried taking dietary supplements like melatonin, and even took pre-workout just to stay awake during the day. Nothing worked. Frustratingly, I gave up. A couple weeks ago, I miraculously stubbled upon napping again in the form of falling asleep on the couch while attending online class. Although I was marked absent, I woke up rejuvenated, as if I was reborn into this world yet again. Napping became the solution to all of my problems. I was physically more active when I was awake, which is crucial because I play water polo. I could also focus more during my online school, and when I do homework at night. To add on, it eradicated all my headaches, as if it were a fire douched in water. Easy, just like that. Now, I regularly take naps that last from 30 minutes all the way to 4 hours long and you should too!