Diana Mason's March editorial, "Sleep on It," brought back memories of working rotating shifts at a U.S. Army hospital. Although it was not allowed, a short nap saved me on many nights. When I would fade at 3:30 or 4 AM, I'd sleep on a gurney in the exam room (more comfortable than Mason's perfect position on the toilet seat) for 20 to 30 minutes (nurses woke me if the supervisor came on rounds). I'd wake up alert and energized. Now research is showing that naps are beneficial, and hospitals are beginning to allow them. The National Sleep Foundation (http://www.sleepfoundation.org) is an excellent source of information, especially "The Short Story on Napping" (find it by clicking on "Sleep for All Ages," and then "Teens and Sleep"). It provides "Tips for Good Napping" and discusses the benefits and negative effects of naps.

Pamela Minarik, MS, APRN, BC, FAAN

San Francisco