Herbie Murray
While it's common knowledge that sleeping on the job is a big no-no, it's no secret that many of us have tried to catch some z's at work. Whether it's due to a big night out or a medical condition, there are many reasons why someone might need to nap at work. Luckily, there are some creative ways to get some shut-eye unnoticed. From reserving a conference room to napping in your car, people have tried a range of methods to sneak in a power nap at work. So, if you're feeling sleepy, read on to discover some tips and tricks for sleeping at work unnoticed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A quiet, private space such as a nap room, car, unused room, or behind a file cabinet |
| Timing | Early afternoon, ideally between 1:00 and 4:00 pm |
| Duration | 10-30 minutes to avoid sleep inertia and interference with nighttime sleep |
| Preparation | Set a loud, jarring alarm; create a comfortable environment by adjusting temperature, lighting, and sound |
| Disguise | Pretend to read a book, wait for a meeting, or lean on the desk as if working |
| Caution | Avoid getting caught; be mindful of security cameras and colleagues' presence |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep under your desk
Sleeping under your desk is a risky business, but it can be done. If you work in a cubicle or office, the space under your desk may not be visible from the hallway, so you can try sleeping there. Make sure you face your desk so that its back is to the door or cubicle opening. If you need a pillow, a daypack or a folded jacket will do the trick.
However, there is always the risk that someone might come in and discover you sleeping. To avoid this, you can put a plausible but vague note on your desk, saying something like "In a meeting until 3". If anyone does walk by your desk, they will likely wake you up enough that you can pick up the phone as if you are about to make a call. Alternatively, you can put one hand on the side of your head to block your eyes from view and the other hand on your computer mouse or hold a pencil on top of a piece of paper.
If you don't want to sleep under your desk, there are other options. If your office has a parking lot, you can park in the back corner and nap in your car. You can also try to find an unused conference room, schedule a meeting in a small conference room but don't invite anyone, or take a nap in the bathroom. If you want to nap during work hours, it's best to use your own time, such as your lunch break or coffee breaks.
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Hide behind sunglasses
While napping at work is a no-go in most offices, it can increase your productivity, lower mistakes, help you regain concentration, and improve your memory. If you need to sleep at work, one way to go unnoticed is to hide behind sunglasses.
Sunglasses can be a great way to conceal your eyes, which may be giving away the fact that you're sleeping. If you're at your desk, simply put on a pair of sunglasses and rest your head on your arms, as if you were taking a quick break. If you're in a meeting, you can try wearing sunglasses and keeping your eyes closed, pretending to be deep in thought or very focused on the discussion.
To take this approach to the next level, combine it with other tactics. For example, you could wear sunglasses and pretend to read a book, listen to music, or take notes on your laptop in a lobby or cafe outside your office. Make sure to keep your body language relaxed and your breathing slow and steady to avoid giving off signs that you're sleeping.
It's important to note that wearing sunglasses indoors may still attract attention, so be mindful of your surroundings and the culture of your workplace. Additionally, be cautious not to make this your only strategy, as it may become obvious over time. Mix it up by trying other methods of sleeping unnoticed at work, such as finding a quiet room or taking a nap in your car.
Remember to prioritize your health and well-being, and if possible, create an approved "Nap Zone" by filing for accommodations.
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Find an isolated place
If you work in a large office with plenty of hiding spots, you're in luck! If your office has a parking lot, park in the back corner. If your office uses a parking structure, park on the roof (unless it's visible from the office, in which case park one level down). Then, set an alarm for 10-15 minutes and take a nap in your car.
If you don't have access to a car, you can try to find an unused space in the office. One person found a nook with an exit door, an unused hallway off another unused hallway at the end of an unused wing. They would lie on the floor on their side, but be warned: they were once discovered by security and woke up to being grilled about their health.
If you work in a smaller office, you might have to get creative. Try to find a closet-sized room, or a room with two to three seats. If you can reserve the room, even better. Leave a passive-aggressive Post-It on the door that says "In Use" with the time. If your office has a health centre, you could try sleeping on one of the chairs.
If all else fails, you can try the bathroom stall. However, this is a bit odd, and you'll have to limit your nap to 10-15 minutes to avoid suspicion.
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Fake a family emergency
Faking a family emergency is a risky move and could land you in hot water if you're found out. However, if you're desperate for a nap at work, it could be a good option. Here are some steps to follow to fake a family emergency and avoid getting caught out:
Plan ahead: While this might not always be possible, it's a good idea to plan your excuse in advance. Think about the details of your "emergency" and how you will communicate it to your boss or colleagues. Consider the questions they might ask and prepare your answers.
Keep it vague: When informing your boss or colleagues, be vague about the specifics of the emergency. You don't want to get caught in a web of lies. Simply state that it's a personal matter regarding a family emergency, and you don't wish to go into the details.
Choose a believable emergency: Opt for a believable family emergency that others can relate to. For example, a car accident, an injured family member, or a child's sudden illness. Avoid using excuses that are too dramatic, like a death in the family, as these may invite more questions and scrutiny.
Be mindful of your timing: Try not to fake an emergency on a day when you have an important meeting or deadline. Choose a quieter day at work, and ensure you inform your boss as soon as you know you'll "need to leave."
Leave the office: If possible, leave the office premises. This will help sell the idea that you're dealing with an emergency. You can find a quiet place nearby, like a hotel lobby or a bookstore, to take your nap.
Use props: If you need to nap at the office, use props to create the illusion that you're working. You can try the old "head on the desk, eyes closed" trick, pretending to read a book, or even using a change of shoes to throw people off if you decide to walk around the office after your nap.
Remember, while napping at work can have its benefits, there is still a stigma attached to it, and it could affect your professional image. Use these tactics sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
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Lean on your hand like you're reading
If you're feeling sleepy at work and want to catch some shut-eye without your colleagues or boss noticing, here's a technique you can try: lean on your hand as if you're reading something. This method is all about creating the illusion of being engrossed in your work while discreetly catching some sleep.
First, position yourself comfortably. Rest your head or chin on one hand, with your elbow on the table. This hand posture will serve as a subtle disguise for your drowsy state. To enhance the illusion, place some important-looking papers, documents, or a book in front of you, pretending to be absorbed in your reading. You can even hold a pen in your other hand or place it on top of a piece of paper to make it seem like you're taking notes or preparing to jot down ideas.
Ensure that your eyes are not facing anyone who might notice that they're closed. Position yourself in such a way that your eyes are directed towards an area where it's harder for others to see, such as a wall or a computer screen. If possible, avoid direct eye contact with colleagues passing by, as they might notice your closed eyes.
While this technique can be helpful, it's not foolproof. There's always a risk of getting caught, especially if you're not cautious. To minimize the chances of being noticed, try to maintain a natural posture and avoid any sudden movements that might draw attention. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you. If you work in a busy office, it might be harder to go unnoticed, so use this technique sparingly and only when necessary.
Remember, while napping at work can be tempting, it's generally advisable to prioritize getting a good night's sleep and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. Taking care of your sleep health will help you feel more energized and productive during the day, reducing the need for these discreet napping techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to sleep at work unnoticed. You can lean your head or chin on one hand and place something in front of you as if you were reading. You can also lie down under your desk and pretend to fix computer problems if someone catches you. If you drive to work, you can slip out unnoticed and nap in your car. If you work in a space where others can see you, figure out where it's hardest to see you and make sure your eyes are facing that direction.
If you get caught sleeping at work, it is best to be honest. Explain the reasons for your sleep and take responsibility for your actions.
If you feel sleepy during a meeting, pretend to be interested in what's being said. Nod occasionally and agree with the speaker now and then. You can also wear sunglasses and tell your colleagues that your eyes are tired and you couldn't find your prescription glasses.
You can nap in unused conference rooms or the toilet. If your office has a storage closet, you can keep a sleeping bag or pillow there for emergencies.
If your lunch break is long enough, you can nap at your desk or in your car. You can also fake a family emergency and take a break to nap in your car or on public transportation.
