You know how it goes: mention ice cream, and suddenly your feed is filled with new flavors, shops, and recipes. The same phenomenon happened to me after I started writing a children’s book about napping. I wrote The Napping Tent for a few reasons:

• I love writing, and I especially enjoyed creating my last children’s book.
• I’m in touch with many young parents these days, now that I’m a grandma.
• When my children were little, I actually built napping tents to help them keep up with their naps.

Promoting the beauty of a nap wasn’t my original intention—though I do appreciate a good 20-minute siesta. But in the process of writing and researching, I’ve learned so much about the benefits of napping for both kids and adults. The advantages differ depending on age, but here are a few that stand out to me:

• Mood regulation and stress reduction. Need I say more?
• Cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that people who nap once or twice a week may have a lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Brain health. Researchers suggest napping could lead to better overall brain health and a decreased risk of cognitive impairment. Plus, naps are linked to improved memory and learning.
• And let’s be honest: it just feels good.

Some research suggests that a 60- to 90-minute nap can offer learning benefits similar to a full eight hours of sleep for certain types of memory. I know carving out time for a catnap can be tough, but it’s so worth the effort. The key? Try to nap during your body’s natural circadian dip (usually between 1 and 4 p.m.), find a quiet, cool spot, and—if you’re like me—have a cozy blanket handy. Set an alarm if you’re worried about napping too long and interfering with nighttime sleep.

So here I am: I set out to write a cute children’s book about napping, and I’ve ended up a proud proponent of the adult nap, too.