Evie Summers
Sleep is a precious commodity, and with long working hours and lengthy commutes, it's no surprise that many people are tired at work. While some companies prohibit napping on the job, others encourage it, providing nap pods and rooms for employees to recharge. Research shows that a lack of sleep negatively impacts job performance, and power napping can be an effective way to boost productivity. So, if you're feeling sleep-deprived, you might be wondering where you can sneak in a nap at work. Here are some spots to consider, from your desk to your car, and even a portable napping pod.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Lack of sleep, general tiredness, long commutes, stress and anxiety, untreated sleep disorders, caffeine |
| Who | Lower-income workers, workers in technology, construction, government, public administration, arts, entertainment, education, medicine, healthcare |
| Where | At a desk, in a meeting room, in a vehicle, in the office, in a company meeting room, at home, in a car, in a napping pod, in a bathroom |
| When | During work hours, during lunch breaks, during the commute, during night shifts |
| For how long | 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 30-90 minutes |
| How | With sunglasses on, under a blanket, with a business call as an excuse, with chill coworkers providing cover |
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What You'll Learn
Napping at work: productivity and performance
Napping at work has been a common practice in Japan for ages. Inemuri, or the art of "sleeping while present," is culturally accepted as a sign of hard work. In the Western world, however, napping at work is often frowned upon, and many companies prohibit it. Nevertheless, the practice of napping at work to boost productivity is gaining traction, with some companies even providing nap pods for their employees.
Benefits of Napping at Work
The benefits of napping at work are supported by various studies. Researchers from Tufts Medical Center found that sleep disorders significantly impact job performance, affecting alertness, memory, and interpersonal skills. A separate study from John Moores University in the UK tested the effects of afternoon napping on sleep-deprived individuals. They found that a 30-minute nap after lunch significantly increased alertness compared to those who did not nap.
Additionally, a study from the University of Michigan found that providing employees with napping pods or extended breaks can improve productivity by reducing impulsive behavior and increasing tolerance for frustration. Furthermore, napping can also enhance workplace safety, particularly for those working night shifts. A study conducted in Japan showed that workers who took naps during their shifts maintained a more consistent level of performance and required less sleep during the daytime, resulting in more waking hours during their time off.
Where to Sleep at Work
If you're considering napping at work, there are a few places you might want to consider. If you work at a desk, you could simply lay your head down on your desk for a quick snooze, as long as your coworkers are okay with it. Alternatively, you can book a meeting room for yourself and take a nap in there. If your company provides nap pods, that's an excellent option as well. If you're looking for a more private option, you could rent a portable napping pod in many cities for a small fee.
Tips for Napping at Work
If you're new to napping at work, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Create a sleep-inducing environment: Find a quiet, dark, and cool place to nap.
- Practice breathing techniques: Ease into napping by taking calming breaths as you lie down. This helps your body relax, and sleep will eventually follow.
- Try a "coffee nap": This involves drinking a cup of coffee and then immediately napping for 20 minutes. The caffeine boost will kick in when you wake up, leaving you feeling extra alert.
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Company-provided napping pods
Sleep is a precious commodity for workers, and a lack of it can lead to all kinds of mistakes at work. Sleep deprivation is a national problem, with 35% of Americans not getting enough sleep. A growing number of companies are embracing the benefits of napping at work.
The EnergyPod, for example, is a popular choice for companies like Google, hospitals, and airports worldwide. It comes in white and grey, with the option to customize the color to match the work environment. The contour of the EnergyPod is designed to take pressure off the cardiac system by elevating the feet and relaxing the lower back with a slight bend in the knees. The privacy visor can be rotated for additional seclusion, and the timer can be set for the desired duration.
Another example is the Podtime capsule-style nap pod, which features a mattress and pillow inside for a more bed-like feel. These pods are used by companies like Facebook and Cisco Systems and offer more enclosure than the lounger-style pods. Companies can also choose to provide unique nap rooms, such as Zappos' "The Tank," which features massage chairs surrounded by a custom-built aquarium.
The cost of implementing nap pods can be high, with a single pod ranging from $8,000 to $12,000, which is why they are more commonly found in large companies like Google and Facebook. However, the benefits of improved employee health and productivity make them a worthwhile investment for companies that can afford them.
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Sleeping on the job: cultural acceptance
Sleep is a precious commodity for workers, and a lack of it can lead to mistakes at work. Research from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has found that 30% of participants admitted to sleeping while on duty, and over 90% of Americans have experienced a problem at work due to a poor night's sleep.
Despite this, sleeping on the job is generally frowned upon, and in some occupations, it is considered gross misconduct and grounds for disciplinary action, including termination. However, there has been a movement in support of napping at work, with scientific studies highlighting health and productivity benefits. In some industries, such as technology and construction, workers are more prone to napping than in others. Some companies have even installed permanent sleeping facilities in their office spaces to encourage employees to stay round the clock.
One notable example of a culture that accepts sleeping on the job is Japan, where the practice is known as "inemuri" or "sleeping while present". Inemuri is considered a sign of dedication to one's work and is culturally acceptable in meetings or classrooms as long as one remains upright and doesn't snore. The hectic lifestyle of Japan's city dwellers has led to the widespread adoption of inemuri, and it is commonly seen as a sign of hard work.
In contrast, Western cultures generally view sleeping at work as a sign of poor time management or laziness. However, there are exceptions, with some companies in the US, such as Google, leading the napping revolution by providing purpose-built sleeping pods in their offices. Additionally, certain occupations, such as firefighting and live-in caregiving, may involve being paid to sleep for part of one's shift.
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Power napping: the pros and cons
Sleep is a precious commodity, and a lack of it can lead to all kinds of mistakes at work. Power napping, or taking a nap between 15 and 45 minutes, can improve memory and reduce fatigue for the rest of the day. It can also boost performance and productivity, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
Some companies, including Google and NASA, allow their workers to take naps during their daily schedule. The Japanese have long embraced the concept of "inemuri", or "sleeping while present", where it is culturally acceptable to doze in meetings or at school as long as one remains upright and doesn't snore, as it is seen as a mark of hard work.
However, the long-term effects of napping are less conclusive. A 2019 study in the British medical journal Heart found that those who napped once or twice a week were 48% less likely to have a cardiovascular disease-related issue. Conversely, a 2015 meta-analysis of 11 studies published in the journal Sleep showed that people who napped for an hour or more a day had 1.82 times the rate of cardiovascular disease than those who didn't nap.
The more urgent health question is why one is taking a nap. Dr. Michael Grandner, director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona in Tucson, says, "If you're napping because it helps you get through the day, that's probably a good thing. But if you're napping because you just can't stay awake, that's a sign that there's some underlying health issue. You're either not getting enough sleep at night or your sleep quality could be very poor."
If you don't have time for a power nap or don't feel comfortable napping during the day, meditation can be a good alternative. It gives your body a rest and produces slower brain waves similar to light sleep.
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Secret spots to nap at work
Sleep is a precious commodity, and with long working hours and stressful jobs, it's no surprise that many people are tired at work. While some companies are embracing an open napping culture, others prohibit sleeping on the job. So, if you're feeling sleep-deprived and need to catch some z's at work, here are some secret spots to nap:
The Office Napping Pod
If your company provides napping pods, this is an obvious choice. These pods are designed for napping and will provide a quiet and comfortable space to rest. If your company doesn't have napping pods, you can always rent a portable napping pod, known as "Car2Go", in many cities for a small fee.
Your Car
If you have a car, the parking lot or garage can be your secret napping spot. Simply lean the front seat back, or put the back seats down, and you've created a private and comfortable space to nap. If you're worried about being seen, consider investing in tinted windows.
The Bathroom
While not the most glamorous option, the bathroom offers a private space to catch some quick shut-eye. You can always claim you're feeling unwell if anyone questions your prolonged absence.
Your Desk
If you work at a desk, this can be a great spot to nap, especially if you have chill coworkers who are willing to cover for you. Keep a blanket at your desk, and when the coast is clear, you can curl up and rest.
The Great Outdoors
If you have access to a grassy area near your office, you can take your blanket outside and find a quiet spot to nap in nature. Just make sure you're well-hidden and that your boss can't see your eyes to know if they're open or closed!
While napping at work can be tempting, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for a good night's sleep. If you consistently struggle to get enough sleep, consider evaluating your sleep habits and routines to improve your overall sleep quality.
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Frequently asked questions
If you don't have access to a private office, you can nap in your car, in a bathroom, or in a meeting room. If you're in a warm climate, you can even nap outside.
You can disguise a nap by wearing sunglasses or pretending to be on a business call. If you're in an open-plan office, you could try hiding under your desk or behind a plant.
Napping can improve your productivity and job performance by increasing alertness, memory, and interpersonal skills. It can also give you more waking hours during your time off.
Yes, some companies encourage napping on the job. For example, Google has on-site nap pods, and Yarde Metals has a couch in a dark room for employees to nap on.
