Miya Pearson
In today's fast-paced world, the notion of sleeping at work is often frowned upon and may even result in disciplinary action. However, in certain countries and work cultures, napping on the job is not only tolerated but encouraged. This practice is known as inemuri in Japan, where it is widely accepted as a sign of dedication to one's work. Similarly, in China, longer working hours have led to employers advocating for short naps after lunchtime to boost concentration. In the United States, while there is no federal law explicitly permitting sleep during work hours, certain occupations, such as firefighters and live-in nannies, have provisions for paid sleep time. Additionally, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides guidelines for compensating hourly workers during rest periods on long shifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the best sleep ratio | Denmark |
| Country with the highest number of hours slept on average | Norway |
| Country with the lowest number of hours slept on average | Japan |
| Country with the highest percentage of workers getting 7-9 hours of sleep | N/A |
| Country with the highest percentage of workers getting less than 5 hours of sleep | United States |
| Country where sleeping on the job is a sign of dedication | Japan |
| Country where sleeping on the job is widely embraced by large employers | United States |
| Country where sleeping on the job is a small act of resistance | United States |
| Companies that have implemented regular naps to boost employee creativity and productivity | Google, NASA |
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What You'll Learn
Inemuri in Japan
In Japan, napping at work is an expected norm and is considered beneficial. The country has a term for this phenomenon—Inemuri, which means "sleeping while present". Japanese workers can nap on public transport, at their desks, or even during meetings, and it is commonly seen as a sign of hard work and dedication to the job.
The hectic lifestyle of Japan's city dwellers has led to the widespread adoption of Inemuri. Unlike in Europe and America, working overtime is ingrained in Japanese work culture, with most office workers putting in ten hours or more each day. As a result, a quick nap on the train or on a public bench becomes much more inviting. Inemuri is also commonly observed in the nightlife districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya in the early morning hours, where people may be seen sleeping on steps, benches, or even the floor while waiting for the trains to start running again after a night of drinking.
The practice of Inemuri can be compared to the modern phenomenon of FOMO, or the "fear of missing out". With numerous opportunities and demands on people's time, Inemuri allows individuals to be "present while sleeping". For example, a person may be asleep on the subway after working late or dozing during an early morning meeting, but their physical presence allows them to remain connected to these activities.
Inemuri is not unique to Japan, as other countries have their own traditions of napping during the workday. For example, Spain is known for its siesta, an afternoon nap that is widely practiced by its citizens. Similarly, Italy has the "riposo", a 2-4 hour nap that usually takes place after lunch. In China, napping at work was once frowned upon during the country's focus on modernization, but it has since become an individual choice, with many Chinese citizens considering an afternoon nap a regular part of their day.
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Siesta in Spain
The siesta is a well-known Spanish tradition that has significantly influenced the social rhythm of life in the country over the centuries. It is a short nap taken in the early afternoon, usually from 1 PM to 3 PM, although it can start earlier or end later depending on the region and personal preferences. The word "siesta" comes from the Latin "hora sexta," meaning "sixth hour," as the first hour of the day for Romans began at sunrise.
The tradition of the siesta is believed to have originated in the Roman Empire, when the hot hours of the day were used for rest and recuperation. It then spread to Spain and other countries with hot climates, becoming an integral part of daily life. In Spain, the siesta is not just a lunch break but a deeply rooted tradition that offers various benefits for physical and mental health. Studies have shown that a short daytime nap can enhance alertness, memory, concentration, and reaction time, as well as reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
There are several theories about why siestas became so popular in Spain. One theory suggests that it started during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when people were forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. The siesta provided a much-needed break in the middle of the day. Another theory points to the hot working conditions, especially for field workers, who started taking breaks around midday to escape the intense heat of the sun.
In many regions of Spain, the workday is divided into two parts: from morning to early afternoon, and then after the siesta in the late afternoon or early evening. This long lunch break allows people to rest, have lunch with family and friends, or attend to personal matters. Many shops, restaurants, and businesses close during the siesta, which can be inconvenient for tourists but provides a rest for employees. The siesta is an important time for social connection and family life in Spain, contributing to the country's well-known late-night culture.
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Riposo in Italy
In Italy, the concept of "riposo" is a cherished tradition. The word "riposo" means "rest" in Italian and is the country's version of the Spanish "siesta". Typically observed between 1 pm and 4 pm, riposo is a time when shops close, streets become quiet, and Italians retreat indoors to escape the midday heat and take a nap. Although the exact timing can vary, with some businesses starting their riposo at noon or 1:30 pm and ending anywhere between 2:30 pm and 4 pm, it usually lasts about 90 minutes to two hours.
During riposo, most museums, churches, shops, and businesses close their shutters and lock their doors. This allows proprietors and employees to go home, have a long lunch, spend time with their families, and perhaps take a nap during the hottest hours of the day. While this tradition may be frustrating for tourists who want to explore and shop, it is an integral part of Italian culture, encouraging a slower pace of life, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of community.
The art of riposo is not just about catching some sleep but is a sacred ritual of relaxation and rejuvenation. It is a time when Italians pause and savor the day, returning to the present and refreshing themselves before continuing their day. While some businesses have abandoned the practice, it remains a cherished tradition for many Italians.
For those visiting or living in Italy, it is essential to plan your day around riposo. This includes getting shopping done at small stores before riposo begins and carrying snacks in case restaurants are closed during this time. Additionally, learning to embrace and enjoy riposo can be beneficial, allowing you to slow down and appreciate the Italian way of life.
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Google and NASA's nap pods
Napping at work is not a new concept, with ancient Greeks believing in the benefits of napping at work. They believed that the psyche was revealed in sleep, allowing them to access a "borderland between living and not living". However, with the Industrial Revolution, long work hours became the norm, and naps became a thing of the past. Today, several Western citizens view naps at work as a small act of resistance.
Some major American companies, such as Google and NASA, have implemented nap pods in their offices, prioritising employee naps during the workday. These companies encourage their employees to take 20-minute naps to boost productivity, particularly during the second half of the workday when energy levels tend to dip. The idea behind these nap pods is to give employees a quick energy boost, improve their alertness, and enhance their mental well-being. By prioritising sleep, these companies are taking a proactive approach to employee mental health, reducing burnout, and creating a culture that values rest.
Google, a technology company, has installed purpose-built sleeping pods in its offices, recognising the benefits of naps for employee creativity and productivity. Similarly, NASA has reported a 54% increase in alertness among its employees who utilise the nap pods. The practice of napping has also been linked to enhanced executive functions, including attention, reasoning, and mental clarity.
In addition to Google and NASA, other companies such as Nike and Huffington Post have also embraced the importance of rest. They have created dedicated wellness rooms or incorporated nap-friendly spaces, such as daybeds and couches, into their office layouts. These spaces often include features like lock boxes, aromatherapy diffusers, and essential oils to promote a calming and relaxing environment for employees to nap, rest, or meditate.
By prioritising employee rest and well-being, these companies are leading a napping revolution, challenging the traditional view of napping as a sign of laziness or poor work ethic. Instead, they are embracing the power of naps to improve productivity, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately boost their bottom line.
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Kung tribe in Botswana
The Kung tribe, also known as the ǃKung, are indigenous to Southern Africa and are one of the San peoples. They live mostly on the western edge of the Kalahari desert, in Ovamboland (northern Namibia and southern Angola), and Botswana. The ǃKung people are known for their profound connection to their land, their intimate knowledge of the natural world, and their peaceful and egalitarian social structure. They are also known for their unique sleeping customs.
The Kung tribe in Botswana has a unique approach to sleep, where they sleep only when they are tired, regardless of the time of day. This practice is in contrast to the traditional idea of sleeping only when it is dark. The Kung tribe's sleeping customs have gained attention in the context of modern work cultures and the discussion around sleeping on the job.
In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, the idea of napping at work is gaining traction in different parts of the world. Some countries and cultures, such as Japan and China, already have a widely accepted practice of napping during the workday. In Japan, the concept of "inemuri" or "sleeping while present" is common, and it is seen as a sign of dedication and hard work. Similarly, in China, the practice of "xiuxi" or taking an afternoon nap is a regular part of the daily routine.
The Kung tribe's sleeping customs, where they sleep based on their body's needs rather than a set schedule, align with the growing trend of flexible work hours and self-chosen work times. This approach to sleep has the potential to improve productivity, creativity, mood, concentration, and attention. Additionally, it can help avoid work-related worry and stress, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
While the practice of sleeping only when tired, as done by the Kung tribe in Botswana, is not yet a widespread custom, it offers valuable insights into alternative approaches to sleep and work. As more companies recognize the benefits of napping, such as improved employee performance and well-being, we may see a shift towards embracing the sleeping customs of the Kung tribe or similar flexible sleep practices in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
While no country officially permits sleeping at work, some countries have a more relaxed culture when it comes to napping on the job. These include Japan, with its practice of "inemuri", China, where modernization has made napping an individual choice, and Spain, with its famous "siesta" tradition.
Sleeping at work can have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it may be seen as a sign of laziness or poor attitude, leading to disciplinary action or even termination. On the other hand, some studies highlight the health and productivity benefits of napping, with companies like Google and NASA implementing regular naps to boost employee creativity and productivity.
There have been several notable incidents of people sleeping while on duty. In 2008, pilots on a Go! airline flight were suspected of falling asleep mid-flight, resulting in them overshooting Hilo Airport. In 2011, a lone night shift air traffic controller at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport fell asleep, leading to two airliners landing uneventfully.
