A Cat – or Napper – has a blend of good sleep and daytime naps. Like a cat, they’re an expert at taking quick, restorative naps throughout the day, ensuring they stay alert and refreshed.
If you’re a Napper, nighttime sleep is generally good, but those little catnaps give you the extra boost you need to get through your day.
Nappers may go to bed at a similar time every day, typically between 9:00PM and 11:00PM. around 6:00AM to 8:00AM. However, this may vary, especially if they take longer naps during the day.
Nappers typically take naps during the day, usually in the early afternoon, ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on how much rest they need to feel refreshed.
While napping can sometimes be beneficial, regular, consistent sleep can enhance your overall rest.
Napping can be classified as a suboptimal sleep pattern due to its potential links to irregular sleep schedules and less restorative nighttime rest.
Frequent napping may be a sign of inconsistent nighttime sleep or a response to sleep deprivation.
SIGNS OF A CAT (NAPPER)
Generally Good Nighttime Sleep –Achieves adequate sleep at night, usually 7–8 hours. Reports feeling well-rested after their main sleep period.
Frequent Daytime Naps – Regularly takes short naps during the day, often lasting 20–30 minutes. Prefers napping as a way to recharge rather than relying on caffeine.
Consistent Energy Dips – Experiences predictable energy slumps during the day, often in the early afternoon. Uses naps to recover from these natural dips in alertness.
High Nap Efficiency – Falls asleep quickly and achieves restorative rest during naps. Wakes up feeling refreshed after napping.
Flexible Nap Habits- Can adapt nap frequency and timing to their schedule. May nap more frequently during periods of stress, illness, or increased activity.
Daytime Alertness and Productivity – Maintains good focus, mood, and productivity after a nap.Often feels sharper and more creative after their nap time.
Good Overall Sleep Satisfaction – Reports being satisfied with the quality and quantity of both nighttime sleep and naps. Rarely experiences issues like insomnia or prolonged fatigue.
Nap Scheduling Awareness – Avoids late-afternoon or evening naps to prevent interference with nighttime sleep.Prioritizes shorter naps to avoid grogginess or “sleep inertia.”
Strong Circadian Rhythm – Often has a strong connection to natural sleep-wake cycles, allowing them to nap effectively.
Benefits from Naps Without Dependence – Uses naps as an enhancement to overall well-being rather than out of necessity. Can go without a nap if needed without significant negative effects.
Enhanced Resilience to Sleep Loss – Can handle occasional disruptions to nighttime sleep with the help of strategic napping. Finds naps particularly restorative after travel, stress, or sleep deprivation.
A team led by researchers in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development identified four distinct patterns that characterize how most people sleep.
Click on the other sleep chronotypes to find out more:
- Owl – Insomnia Sleepers
- Cat – The Nappers
- Koala – Weekend Catch-up Sleepers
