I’m not a napper. Really, I’m not. Unless I’m sick—or maybe jet lagged or severely sleep-deprived—I don’t willingly curl up for an afternoon snooze. But lately, my body has had other plans. I’ll be in my recliner in the evening, watching TV, playing a game of Mahjong on my iPad (so my brain is clearly busy), and… bam. I’m out.

This isn’t some intentional rest break. These are rogue naps—sneaky, uninvited interruptions to my evening. And it’s not like I’m winding down with a book or meditating. I’m multitasking, engaging with bright screens, colorful tiles, plot twists, and dramatic reality show finales. So why am I suddenly dozing off like I’ve been counting sheep?

It usually starts around 7:00 p.m. Yes—7:00 p.m. Really? That’s barely past dinner. I feel my eyes get heavy, my head nods forward, and next thing I know, I’ve been out for 15–30 minutes. Just enough time for my internal sleep schedule to get completely confused.

The worst part is what comes next: I’m wide awake when it’s actually time for bed. Midnight rolls around, and there I am, tossing and turning, replaying my Mahjong losses or the cliffhanger from the show I slept through. And what do I get for that late bedtime? A bright and early wake-up call between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m.—like clockwork. My body’s idea of “revenge,” I suppose.

I try to fight the urge. I’ll wiggle my toes, sit up straighter, take a sip of water, even stand up for a stretch—but when the nap wants to happen, it’s happening. Resistance is often futile.

So here I am: someone who doesn’t nap…napping. Someone who values sleep…not getting enough. It’s an ironic little cycle I haven’t quite figured out how to break. Maybe my recliner is just too comfortable. Maybe Mahjong is more soothing than I thought. Or maybe my body just likes to mess with me.

Either way, if you ever need someone to test the nap-inducing power of your furniture, I’m unintentionally becoming an expert.

Are you a napster?

Eydie