take a jazz nap
After a lifelong search for the teleological nature of my existence, I hereby decree that jazz naps will be my contribution to the world.
What is a jazz nap?
A jazz nap is a jazz-listening pre-slumber limbo (technically, it isn’t a nap). This is an important distinction because, with a jazz nap, you don’t really fall asleep. I used to make fun of my dad whenever he’d say he was “just resting his eyes” after I’d caught him in the middle of what undoubtedly was a nap. I thought it was funny he wouldn’t admit to his napping. But now I get it. Resting your eyes is not the same as napping or sleeping. You’re conscious (or semi-conscious) the whole time, and it is truly restorative.
Cat Nap - Eric Lee-Johnson
Here’s how to take a jazz nap:
1 - You can’t do this with any kind of jazz or playlist; it only works with autumn vintage jazz, a cozy Spotify playlist featuring a title that is too cool for caps. Also, behold the pumpkin-themed Peanuts album cover.
I started listening to this playlist last fall, when I was experiencing a mix of sleepy sadness and Christmas cheer. I was equal parts glum and festive—which, if you ask me, is the right ratio of holiday feelings baked at 470 post election. So I gave myself nap permissions. During one of those naps, this playlist was on.
autumn vintage jazz is perfect for napping because the songs flow in a mellow, seamless jazz stream; the mood doesn’t change on you, allowing you to settle into an undisturbed napping state.
2 - You need to be tucked into something warm and comfy; think a blanket, comforter, or duvet (if you live in warm weather, turn on the AC; if you live in warm weather and don’t have AC, you don’t need a jazz nap, you need a cold shower). The lady below is not doing it right; even one of her eyes is open. The cat pictured above has a better approach.
Afternoon Nap - Lee, Doris (1905 – 1983) (American)
3 - I mostly recommend jazz-napping on a cloud or foggy day between the hours of 12 pm and 3:47 pm. But any day and time works as long as you’re in real need of a shuteye. See how author and novelist Ivan Doig is using his hat to cover his face from the sunlight; he is also not doing it right; a cloudy day prevents the issue of objects on your face.
Ivan Doig napping on deck of cabin near Ketchum, Idaho - Doig, Carol M. (Photographer)
4 - Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think there’s a huge difference between napping on the couch and napping in bed. I know most people will say that napping in bed will ruin the rest of your day, your brain being too primal to tell nap time from bedtime, too weak to resist the memory foam of your Casper mattress, but I think the location is overrated. It’s a possibility that anti-bed nappers just want to diminish or avoid some sort of guilt associated with the nap, but that’s just my assumption. I tend to nap on my chaise mostly because I don’t want to make the bed again.
Afternoon Nap, or Interior - Calapai, Letterio (American painter, 1902-1993)
Part of Lawrence University Wriston Art Galleries Collections
5 - I will say that the day ruiner, for me, would be falling asleep. If I were to succumb to slumber, I’d wake up sweaty, moody, and hungry. But resting my eyes for 20 minutes is just right. I recommend a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 7 hours, wherever you feel comfortable in that range.
Happy jazz napping. 🎷💤
