National Napping Day is the one holiday that requires zero effort. No cooking, no shopping, no decorations—just you, a cozy spot, and the sweetest midday escape imaginable.
Falling on the Monday after daylight saving time, it gives everyone a reason to reclaim that stolen hour of sleep.
If you feel sluggish today, blame the time change, grab a blanket, and embrace the nap you were already thinking about.
How National Napping Day Started
William and Camille Anthony, a Boston University professor and his wife, created National Napping Day in 1999.
They wanted to highlight the benefits of short naps and give people an excuse to rest after losing an hour due to daylight saving time.
Their idea caught on fast because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a holiday dedicated to sleeping?
Offices, schools, and even some businesses started acknowledging it, and over the years, it has grown into an unofficial yet beloved tradition.
Why This Holiday Deserves More Recognition
Out of all the bizarre national days—like National Sock Day or Talk Like a Pirate Day—this one actually makes sense.
Sleep deprivation is real, and after losing an hour overnight, people show up to work groggy and unfocused.
Unless you are Nikola Tesla, you will need those 8 hours, or at least 6.
Instead of pushing through exhaustion, National Napping Day gives everyone permission to stop pretending they’re awake and take a well-earned break.
No one should feel guilty for closing their eyes for a bit. In fact, some workplaces are starting to embrace it by allowing short power naps.
Airlines, tech companies, and even some hospitals encourage brief rest periods because well-rested people work better.
This is especially popular in Japan where seeing a worker taking a nap is a quite usual thing today. They even have a word for that – Inemuri.
Maybe one day, National Napping Day will be a full-blown holiday where offices shut down, and everyone enjoys a universal siesta.
How to Celebrate Without Getting Fired
- Desk Nap Strategy: If you’re stuck at work, master the classic “head on hand” technique. It looks like deep concentration, but in reality, you’re getting a few solid minutes of rest.
- Lunch Break Snooze: Skip the overpriced sandwich and find a quiet spot to catch a quick nap in your car or a break room.
- Full Commitment: If you’re off work, turn off your phone, get under the covers, and take a real nap—no alarms, no interruptions.
The Best Excuse to Nap All Day
National Napping Day is not about laziness—it’s about recognizing that rest matters. If anyone questions your dedication to celebrating, remind them it’s a tradition created by a professor and backed by millions who simply need a break.
So, close your eyes, ignore the world for a little while, and enjoy the only holiday where sleeping is required.
