It comes without warning, creeping through your body, diminishing your energy, shutting down your mind. It begins with eyes drooping beneath heavy lids, your rhythm slackens and an all-consuming cloud shrouds your body. Instead of the daily tasks at hand, we dream of a soft pillow, a light blanket, and our body sinking into the plush comfort of our mattress. Before we know it, we succumb to the irresistible power of the nap attack.
Along came old lady RA and with her, one of her many minions – the nap attack. I’ve read about this phenomena in the classic Garfield comic, about the lazy orange tabby who declared the arrival of a nap attack before falling into his food bowl. I’m grateful for not flopping into a plate of food, but there are some days when the fatigue comes sweeping over me like a thick fog, and I find myself collapsing on the bus, or catching my head before it tumbles onto my desk. The effort our bodies put forth in fighting the pain and inflammation of arthritis takes much more than we realize – once this energy is expended, we are left at the mercy of the nap attack.
I’ve learned that sometimes the nap attack is nature’s way of letting me know when I’ve been working too hard; it’s time to rest and recharge the batteries. The fatigue that comes with battling arthritis may be frustrating, but, unfortunately, it’s part of the package, and many suffer from its dogging presence. I try to reduce my fatigue by making sure I take care of myself. I exercise, eat healthy, and try to get enough sleep; it helps me break up the erratic pall of the nap attack. There are days when it’s necessary for me to listen to my body, and like a dozy cat, I surrender to the sway of the nap attack to refresh my energy; other days, when I feel the fatigue tiptoeing in, I slow down to prevent the fatigue from taking over so I can get on with my day.
Nap attacks are not always convenient, but sometimes they help me rekindle the energy to fight the disease in my body. Nap attacks – not just for cats.
No Comments
Leave a Comment
The information on this site are stories based on my personal experiences and is not intended for medical advice. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. All content is original and owned by the author and shall not be used or duplicated without express and written permission.
If You Like What You See
Some people have inquired if there’s a place to donate on my blog. This is for those who would like to offer extra support for my work and I thank you for this.
A bigger thank you to all my readers who offer ongoing support simply by stopping by for a visit. I enjoy writing and interacting with you.
About me
J.G. Chayko is a writer, actress, and international arthritis advocate who’s been involved in theatre for more than 30 years and has published poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction.
This is one great thing about consulting/freelancing for a living. My schedule is flexible enough that when I do get attacked by naps I can surrender with grace. Although I worked for years in a corporate environment after my diagnosis, I now wonder how people do that — or people with small children or other similar demands manage to cope. Sounds like you’ve got a great strategy.
I too, am lucky enough to have most of my time on my own schedule. I do work part-time, but like you, I can’t imagine how full time workers get through the fatigue. I can only hope they have found a way that works for them to get through the days. It’s such a personal battle.
The fog and the fatigue were the worst things, second only to the pain. I miss my nursing work, but I know I could not do it for long. That stress on my body would send me into a downward slide and I crawled my way out of that pit already. I’ve learned to listen to my body, when it says stop, I do. Thankfully, my freelance work allows me to do that. I feel for those who must maintain a 9 to 5 life.
I’m getting better at listening to my body when I need to slow down – my brain, not so much 🙂 I too, feel for those who have to maintain a forty hour week. It must be exhausting. Hope you are well.
When the nap attack hits, I try to listen, even if only for 15 minutes. Usually the nap attack occurs as a flare is hitting and I figure it is my body telling me be gentle with my body. It is a great way to nourish ourselves.
I do give in to the nap attack a bit more often now; I’m learning even a small one can be an energy boost. Thanks for visiting, hope you are doing well.
My two lovelies are experts on this. 😉