Miya Pearson
Sleep pods are designed to encourage short, structured naps during the day, with the intention of improving focus and energy. The concept of the sleep pod was coined by Dr James B Mass, who termed the phrase 'power nap'. Sleep pods were created to alter the existing workplace culture in the West, aligning with cultural practices such as the Siesta in Spain and the Japanese practice of Inemuri, where sleeping at work is viewed as proof of dedication. Sleep pods have since been installed in various public and private spaces, including airports, tech company offices, and universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of invention | 2003 |
| Purpose | To facilitate napping at work |
| Inventor | Metronaps |
| First users | Google, hospitals, airports, and athletic teams |
| Current users | Google, Samsung, Facebook, Nike, universities, hospitals, airports, and athletic teams |
| Benefits | Improved focus, energy, mood, alertness, and productivity |
| Cultural influences | Siesta in Spain, Inemuri in Japan |
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What You'll Learn
Metronaps' EnergyPod was the world's first nap pod
Sleep specialist and psychiatrist Rita Aoud told The Guardian that "research shows that a nap of about 20 minutes in the afternoon has a positive effect on attention, vigilance, mood, and alertness". This has been supported by Dr James B Mass, who coined the term "power nap", and other specialists who have acknowledged the importance of sleep and rest.
In line with this, the Metronaps EnergyPod was the world's first nap pod, created in 2003. It is designed exclusively for power napping in the workplace, with a 20-minute power nap in mind. The EnergyPod is stylish and timeless, and can be customised to any colour to match its work environment. It also features a status indicator that communicates when the pod will next be free, and usage tracking to optimise facility management.
The EnergyPod's zero-gravity position, specially composed sleep music, gentle wake sequence of programmed lights and vibrations, and internal Bose speakers all contribute to creating the perfect nap environment. The built-in music player helps to eliminate surrounding noises and distractions, and users can listen through speakers or headphones. The privacy visor can also be rotated to achieve the desired level of privacy.
The EnergyPod has been used by Google, hospitals, and airports worldwide, and Metronaps has implemented its nap pods in offices, hospitals, universities, and fitness centres in dozens of countries across four continents.
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Google, hospitals and airports were among the first to use it
Google, hospitals, and airports were among the first to install sleep pods. Sleep pods are designed to facilitate short, structured naps during the day, with the intention of improving focus and energy. The push for a cultural shift that emphasizes the necessity of sleep and rest in high-stress work environments has influenced the adoption of sleep pods in various organizations.
Google, a tech industry leader, was an early adopter of sleep pods, installing them across its headquarters and offices for employee use. They recognized the importance of sleep in maintaining productivity and employee well-being. Similarly, hospitals and healthcare institutions have utilized sleep pods for both caregivers and patients, acknowledging the health benefits of adequate rest. Sleep pods provide a space-efficient solution, as recommended by organizations like the British Medical Association.
Airports were also quick to adopt sleep pods, offering them to travellers at major hubs such as JFK, Atlanta, Berlin, Munich, Dubai, and Istanbul airports. These sleep pods provide a convenient space for travellers to rest between or before flights, enhancing their travel experience. Additionally, universities and student centres have started incorporating sleep pods, providing students with a dedicated space to recharge and improve their cognitive abilities during busy school days.
The adoption of sleep pods by Google, hospitals, and airports set a precedent for other organizations to prioritize employee and customer well-being. It also helped normalize the notion of taking short naps during the workday, aligning with cultural practices like the Siesta in Spain and the Japanese practice of Inemuri, which values dedication to the point of exhaustion. Leading scientists and sleep specialists have endorsed the use of sleep pods, emphasizing the positive impact of short afternoon naps on attention, vigilance, mood, and alertness.
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Universities have nap pods in campus libraries and student centres
Sleep deprivation among college students is a widespread issue, with more than 70% of students reporting that they receive less than the recommended eight hours of sleep per night. Sleep deficiency has been linked to various negative consequences, such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortened attention span. To combat this, universities have started introducing nap pods on campus. These pods provide students with a private and comfortable space to take short, structured naps during the day.
Universities such as Stanford University, the University of Florida, the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, have already implemented nap pods on their campuses. At UCLA, for example, special nap pods are designated for campus commuter students who cannot return home during long school days. These pods are strategically placed in easily accessible locations like libraries, study rooms, and engineering schools.
King's College London, Sydney University, Western Sydney University, the University of Miami, Wesleyan University, and Washington State University have also joined the list of institutions offering nap pods in campus libraries and student centers. The Sydney Swans AFL team has even installed two 'sleep chambers' for players at the SCG Stadium.
The benefits of these nap pods are supported by research. Short naps have been shown to increase energy levels, enhance memory, boost creativity, and lower the risk of cardiovascular issues. Additionally, napping in a pod can prevent the soreness and muscle pain that often comes with napping in a chair or over a desk.
While some, like Robert Stickgold of Harvard Medical School, caution against using naps to mask larger sleep deficits, the presence of nap pods on campuses offers a unique opportunity for universities to invest in their students' well-being. Nap pods provide a practical solution for students struggling to get enough sleep due to busy schedules and demanding coursework.
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Sports teams use sleep pods to optimise player performance
Sleep is essential for athletes to perform at their maximum potential. However, factors related to sports can negatively impact athletes' sleep and recovery. Sports teams are increasingly using sleep pods to optimise player performance.
The Sydney Swans AFL team, for example, installed two 'sleep chambers' at the SCG Stadium for players to use between training and game sessions. The EF Pro Cycling team also used sleep pods to optimise their performance during the 2024 Tour de France. Eight Sleep, the company behind the pods used by the EF Pro Cycling team, is the world's first sleep fitness company. Its Pod technology tracks sleep stages, heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate. This allows athletes and their trainers and doctors to tailor their training or performance accordingly.
Sleep pods are also used by other sports teams and individual athletes, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, and Formula 1. The NBA player Jimmy Butler, for instance, uses Eight Sleep's Pod technology. Additionally, universities such as King's College London, Stanford University, and Washington State University have installed nap pods in campus libraries and student centers for students to use.
The use of sleep pods to enhance athletic performance is supported by research. A Stanford study found that male basketball players who increased their sleep to 10 hours a night ran faster and improved their shooting accuracy by at least 9%. Similarly, male and female swimmers who extended their sleep to 10 hours experienced faster reaction times off diving blocks.
The adoption of sleep pods by sports teams reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sleep in optimising performance and recovery. By utilising sleep pods, sports teams aim to enhance their athletes' performance and overall well-being.
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Nap pods are also used in science fiction to suspend animation
Another example is the film "Passengers," which raises questions about the ethical implications of using hibernation pods. For instance, how do individuals indicate their consent to enter hibernation, and how can they signal their desire to be awakened? The film also explores the potential risks of waking up early or being unable to exit the pod.
The use of hibernation pods in science fiction often involves the administration of intravenous chemicals to induce a state of suspended animation. This concept can be seen in films such as ""Aliens," where the characters are shown to be in a state of hibernation with clamps and LED displays indicating their status.
The integration of nap pods in science fiction reflects society's growing interest in exploring the possibilities of human hibernation and the potential benefits for space travel. While currently, human hibernation is still a concept in development, advancements in this field could revolutionise space exploration by reducing the need for food and resources during long-distance journeys.
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Frequently asked questions
The world's first nap pod, the EnergyPod, was created by Metronaps in 2003.
The creators of the EnergyPod saw people falling asleep in various places, including at work and on the train. They also heard from professionals that they would sneak off to the toilet or an unused conference room for an afternoon nap.
Google, hospitals, and airports were among the first to use the EnergyPod.
Sleeping pods are now used in offices, universities, hospitals, and fitness centres in dozens of countries across four continents. They are also available at airports such as JFK, Atlanta, Berlin, Munich, Dubai, and Istanbul.
Sleeping pods provide a sanctuary for rest in busy environments. Research shows that a 15-20 minute nap during the day has a multitude of health benefits, including better cognitive abilities, heightened creativity, and increased emotional stability.
