We’ve all been there—midway through the afternoon, struggling to keep our eyes open, and tempted to sneak in a quick nap. While the occasional afternoon nap can be a normal part of a healthy lifestyle, consistently feeling the need to sleep during the day could be a sign of an underlying issue with your airway-breathing. So, when does napping become a concern, and what can you do about it?

When your daytime napping becomes a problem

A short nap—around 30 minutes or less—can be beneficial, helping to boost energy and improve focus. However, if you find yourself needing longer naps, still feeling groggy afterward, or experiencing significant fatigue that impacts your daily life, it may indicate a bigger issue. Studies suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness can be linked to medical conditions such as high blood pressure and sleep disorders.^2-3

Signs that your daytime naps could be pointing to a more serious problem include:

• Falling asleep in social settings, during car rides, or while reading quietly.
• Struggling to stay awake at work or during important tasks.

• Skipping social events or avoiding activities due to excessive fatigue.

Ignoring these signs can have long-term consequences. Chronic daytime sleepiness can lead to cognitive issues, decreased productivity, and an overall decline in quality of life. It’s important to determine the root cause rather than simply pushing through fatigue every day.

What’s causing your urge to nap every day?

Daytime fatigue can stem from various factors, including poor sleep habits, high stress levels, or even an underlying medical condition. However, one of the most overlooked causes is airway-breathing issues. Conditions like sleep apnea, nasal congestion, chronic sinusitis, and snoring can all disrupt sleep quality, leading to persistent tiredness throughout the day.

When your airway is compromised, your body has to work harder to breathe while you sleep. This can result in more frequent wake-ups, poor oxygen intake, and ultimately, insufficient rest—leaving you exhausted no matter how much sleep you get at night.

Reclaim your energy with treatment

If you find yourself relying on daily naps just to function, it’s time to address the root cause of your fatigue. At ADVENT, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating airway-related sleep issues. Our Breathing Triangle® evaluation assesses your nose, mouth, and throat to pinpoint any obstructions that may be affecting your ability to breathe—and, in turn, your ability to get quality sleep.

Depending on your unique needs, we offer simple, in-office Breathing Triangle® solutions such as:

• Turbinate reduction to reduce nasal tissue size, improve airflow, and decrease congestion.
• Balloon sinuplasty to open the sinuses and allow for better breathing.
• Oral appliances to lessen or prevent sleep apnea-related breathing disruptions.

When you can breathe well, you can sleep well—and when you sleep well, you’ll have the energy to enjoy your days without the constant need for a nap. If you’re experiencing persistent daytime sleepiness, don’t wait to take action. Schedule an appointment with ADVENT today to get to the root of the problem and reclaim your energy.

‍References

1 Cleland P. (2025). Personal interview.

2 Bock, J., Covassin, N., & Somers, V. (2022). Excessive daytime sleepiness: an emerging marker of cardiovascular risk. Heart (British Cardiac Society), 108(22), 1761–1766. https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2021-319596

3 Slater, G., & Steier, J. (2012). Excessive daytime sleepiness in sleep disorders. Journal of thoracic disease, 4(6), 608–616. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2012.10.07