Next time you’re feeling tired or sluggish in the middle of the day you may want to consider the benefits of a short nap. For many people, snoozing in the middle of a workday is a forbidden fruit, but employers may want to take a look at the studies that show how naps can increase creativity, alertness, and memory.
A lot of workplaces have already recognized what naps can do for their employees. Companies like Zappos.com and New York City-based Workman Publishing have incorporated designated sleep areas in the workplace.
Yarde Metals (a metal distribution company) takes the midday nap seriously. They have designed the “Z Lounge” which is a meditative retreat featuring a reclining chair which vibrates to music with scenes of a crackling fire displayed on a TV set. Marketing director Susan Yarde explains why the company feels the “Z Lounge” works, “If some people just need a nap for 15 minutes and they can finish out their day with a clear mind, there’s benefit to the company to do that.”
Naps may also be beneficial when it comes to our hearts and long-term health. A recent Newsweek article cites a six-year study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Athens Medical School. Researchers studied 23,500 healthy adults and found that taking naps at least 3 days a week reduced coronary mortality by 37 percent.
Sara Mednick, a professor of psychiatry and author of “Take a Nap! Change Your Life.” recommends napping for no more than 20 minutes to boost alertness and performance. She explains that getting between 30 minutes to an hour of sleep can leave a person feeling groggy the rest of the day.
Do you think a midday nap could increase your performance at work?
If your work allowed it, how often do you think you would take advantage of a short snooze?
When my daughter was young, she and I got in the habit of resting in the afternoon. We both needed it and welcomed it. When my son came along, he quit taking naps by about 2 years of age. No matter how much Mommy needed a nap, he would have none of it. Count your blessings if you do get an afternoon siesta. They come in handy and energize you.
Indigoblue::
on Jul 18, 2008
In many many countries--they nap--or rest and relax. I really believe they are healthy--as much as moderate exercise...American's stress rates are up--people are taking anti-anxiety medication...I think we push too much--not that a hard days work isn't important. I think employers in the US are very behind other countries and pay for it in sleepy unproductive and unhealthy employee's:)
sharman421::
on Jul 21, 2008
Nap? What's that? I wish schools would let teachers nap! I wish they would extend the Kindergarten nap up through high school! What a novel idea. How about this: Give teachers and kids more than 20 minutes for lunch (after getting in line for ten minutes)and then give us all an extra 20 minutes for a nap! Never will happen, unfortunately!
knituk::
on Jul 21, 2008
Ah...nap time!! To be a kid again!
momoffive::
on Jul 23, 2008
I have always found power napping to be great! If I slept for at least 10-15 mintues and awoke I really felt less tired and was able to resume the day and not feel as though I was dragging.
sdgomez::
on Jul 23, 2008
20 minutes huh?? I always hated napping (as an adult) because I found myself waking up so groggy the rest of the day was shot... maybe I am just sleeping too long! next opportunity I get, I'll give the little nap a try... however, not something our work allows, so I don't know when that will ever be.
if they allowed it -- oh yeah, I'd be there!
melsy00::
on Jul 24, 2008
In many other countries it is acceptable to have an afternoon nap and most workers are happy and productive. It wouldn't hurt for American employers to allow a nap for their employees.
daisy671::
on Jul 26, 2008
I work overnights and I often take a 20 minute nap instead of a full 30 minute lunch. It helps me recharge enough to make it all the way through the night. I love naps!!
lunita111::
on Jul 27, 2008
It would be very cool if US employers allowed nap time just like other countries do. The result would be more productive work...and less grumpy employees.
masmac20::
on Jul 28, 2008
Sounds like a wonderful idea!! But, I can't see it in my work place! I'm a teacher and how could I nap when the kids definitely wouln't be. Yikes, what a classroom that would be!
