National Napping Day

National Napping Day History

National Napping Day seeks to advance public awareness about the health benefits of catching a quick, restorative nap. Scientific research indicates that taking a short nap of 20-30 minutes promotes improved mental agility, mood, and overall wellbeing. While often misunderstood or undervalued as a valuable health practice, napping has been internationally recognized in recent years thanks to events like National Napping Day.

While National Napping Day doesn't exclusively stem from Canadian roots, it has significant relevance to Canadians. Given the Northern Hemisphere's particular exposure to daylight variation, Canadians often suffer from sleep deprivation, especially in the winter months. This observance brings attention to the importance of rest and revitalization, particularly relevant in a country where the days can be shorter, and the demand for productivity remains high.

In Canada, National Napping Day is typically marked by educational events and campaigns promoting the importance and advantages of napping. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations often take part, urging individuals to prioritize their sleep health and wellness. The observance takes place annually, coinciding with the return to daylight saving time, typically when Canadians might be feeling the effects of one less hour of sleep. By dedicating a day to napping, Canadians are reminded of the essential role sleep plays in their overall well-being, and given encouragement to partake in a guilt-free nap.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 National Napping Day in Canada

• Celebrated on the Monday immediately following the start of Daylight Saving Time, National Napping Day was specifically created to help people recover the hour of sleep lost when clocks "spring forward" across most of Canada.
• According to a survey conducted by the sleep brand Casper, approximately 59 per cent of Canadians would be willing to forgo free office coffee in exchange for a dedicated napping space at their workplace.
• Major Canadian institutions like the University of British Columbia, Algonquin College, and Toronto Metropolitan University have recently installed high-tech "EnergyPods" or designated quiet zones to support student wellness and academic performance through mid-day rest.
• Sleep researchers, including those at the Northern Alberta Sleep Clinic, recommend limiting naps to 20 minutes to avoid sleep inertia, a state of grogginess that occurs when waking from a deeper sleep cycle.
• NASA research once identified 26 minutes as the ideal duration for a power nap, finding that it could improve pilot alertness by 54 per cent and overall job performance by 34 per cent.
• For a more potent energy boost, some Canadians practice the Coffee Nap, which involves drinking a cup of coffee immediately before a 20-minute snooze so the caffeine takes effect just as the person wakes up.
• Regular napping has significant long-term health implications, with some studies suggesting that a brief afternoon siesta taken at least twice a week can lower the risk of heart-related issues by up to 37 per cent.
• Historical figures known for their strict napping routines include Winston Churchill, who famously maintained a bed in the Houses of Parliament, and Albert Einstein, who reportedly napped to facilitate creative breakthroughs.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Napping Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Napping Day

• Take a nap. Set an alarm, find a comfortable spot, and let your worries disappear.
• Work on improving your sleep schedule. Naps are great for making up for that lost sleep or just feeling refreshed in the afternoon, but having a good nights sleep is the best remedy. 7-8 hours are recommended for most adults.
• Winnipeg: Visit Assiniboine Park and enjoy a restful nap in the midst of nature.
• You could also visit a local spa or wellness centre for a relaxation massage before your nap. Hiring a cabin in the Canadian Rockies might be on the extravaganter side for a great nap.