The "Power Nap" Trap

Is Your Afternoon Nap Making You Fat?

In the tech world, "Power Naps" are celebrated as a productivity hack. We have sleeping pods in offices and bean bags in break rooms. But have you noticed that after a nap, you often feel groggy, heavy, or stiff?

Ancient Siddha texts predicted this 2,000 years ago. They warned that unless you are a manual laborer or very elderly, daytime sleep (Pagal Kan Thuyil) is a recipe for disaster.

Translation: "If you sleep during the day, an oily, greasy substance manifests in the body, loosening the body's structure. Lethargy (Mantham) sets in."

The "Grease" Effect

Siddha medicine views the body as a machine. When you sleep during the day (especially after lunch), your metabolic fire (Agni) drops. The food you ate doesn't digest; instead, it turns into Kapha—a cold, heavy, mucus-like energy.

This is why you feel:

• Oily skin and scalp (as mentioned in the text).
• Stiffness in joints (Vatha aggravation).
• Brain Fog: The text specifically mentions "Mantham" (dullness of intellect).

The Only Exception: Summer Months

Interestingly, the text provides a specific "bug fix" for this rule. It states that during the months of Aani and Aadi (Mid-June to Mid-August), you are allowed to nap.

Why? Because the intense heat dries out the body, and the nights are shorter. During this season, a short nap helps retain moisture and energy. In all other seasons, keep your eyes open!