Here are the top ten reasons why sleeping should be part of your office culture.
1. Daytime nap is a biological need
Your post-lunch drowsiness is a natural phenomenon. Humans have a bi-phasic sleep pattern. Following lunch, our parasympathetic nervous system is more active making us drowsy. Our bodies also have lower glucose levels 1 to 2 hours after lunch, due to the effects of high insulin levels triggered by the meals. Our alertness increases late in the evening making it difficult for us to sleep 3 to 4 hours prior to our usual bedtime. This means, it is difficult to nap after going home late in the evening without affecting your overnight sleep.
2. Increased productivity at work
Many studies have unveiled the effects of sleep deprivation on productivity. Surveys have provided ample evidence to support that sleep deprivation is a common problem. Employers who are sensitive to productivity should let their workers have a rest between work to boost their performance.
3. Enhanced creative potential
Some of the most brilliant minds like Beethovan, Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali and Einstein were well known daytime nappers. Those ‘power naps’ may have increased their creative potential to higher levels. Daytime naps will enhance the creativity and new ideas that can be an asset to the company.
4. Fewer errors and mistakes
Time and again we hear news about vehicle drivers falling asleep, risking the lives of others. We can all remember times we made mistakes due to lack of sleep. While changes in work shift might help reduce these incidents, taking naps during work is a definite solution that will bring immediate benefits.
5. Longer work shifts
By allowing power naps, employers can implement longer work shifts without affecting the performance of their workers. Even a short nap will help boost the energy levels so you can start fresh. Evening naps also help those working in the night shift.
6. Improved job satisfaction
While companies are considering perks for their employees, a nap time or even a nap room is something they can invest in to improve the long term job satisfaction.
7. Increased awareness about sleep
While a daytime nap reduces the effects of poor sleep on work performance, it also creates awareness. By appreciating the value of sleep at work, individuals are motivated to improve their night time sleep habits.
8. Promoting ethical beheviour at work
Studies have shown that poor sleep makes people cheat at work. Lack of sleep causes what is known in psychology as ‘ego-depletion’ which makes you lose your self control. Power naps at work can reduce cheating at work.
9. Reduce work related stress
Working generates a lot of stress and stress is bad for productivity. It also creates unpleasant moods among workers. A well timed nap can cut down stress levels.
10. Health benefits from daytime naps
Power naps have a synergistic effect on your overnight sleep. One study found that the incidence of heart attacks were less among those who had a daytime nap.
So the next time you are caught napping at work, you don’t need come up with excuses, you have ten good reasons.
