Before the 21st century, napping was considered something only lazy people did. You were expected to work hard even when you were tired. In fact, napping on the job was considered entirely taboo. However, in the 21st century, bosses and management have encouraged more and more mid-shift naps due to the benefits we now know about napping. Taking a planned snooze during work is not only wise but also healthy for employees. As reported by a survey, approximately 29 percent of workers said they fell asleep or got dizzy at work — loss of sleep results in a loss of productivity. But if one includes a short 20-minute nap, a person can boost their alertness and improve their work performance. Several companies are firmly committed to employee health and wellness, and they know the benefits of taking a nap at work. Napping is a great way to reset the mind and body and improve alertness and work performance.
What are the benefits of napping at work?
Alertness is Improved
As the day progresses, one might find it hard to concentrate on the tasks because the brain gets tired, and alertness receives a significant blow. The best way to become alert again is by taking a break and having a nap. When you nap, your brain gets refreshed as if you were waking up in the morning. As reported by a survey, a short rest of 20 to 30 minutes while at work improves performance alertness at work. It allows you to return to where you left off and be productive.
Productivity is Improved
As reported by various studies, employees who take naps while doing their regular chores are more productive compared to people who don’t take naps. A 2002 Harvard University study found that 20-30 minute naps improve employees’ work performance, bringing productivity back to when the day started.
Helps Beat Exhaustion
While working at your home or office, the aim is for you to complete your tasks on time and then move on to the next. It’s natural for our bodies to take breaks and rest between tasks. If you continue to move and move and move without a break, you risk harming your work. You risk falling into stress, exhaustion, and frustration without a break. What’s an excellent way to refresh your system at the office or while working at home? A nap for anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes will help you feel refreshed and energized. Rest will help eliminate tiredness and stress that may have piled up and help you take care of the remaining tasks.
Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease
Several studies show that people who take naps regularly, at around midday at least three times a week, are at least 37 percent less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who don’t nap.
What are some tips to get some nap time in?
When you’re drowsy in the daytime, your accuracy, mood, concentration, creativity, and productivity are affected. If you’re sleep deprived at work, you have a greater risk of health issues such as hypertension, depression, and diabetes. A quick power nap at work can be very beneficial when it comes to boosting employee productivity. A brief power nap can contribute to a better level of alertness for many hours.
Make Sure it’s Short and Significant
A nap of approximately 20 minutes is the easiest to take while at work. It fits in well with lunch breaks. Because you’re taking a brief rest, known as a power nap, you won’t fall into a deep sleep stage, preventing you from getting groggy. Various reports have shown that a “Power Nap at work” can improve job performance by 34 percent. However, it is essential that before you take a quick Power Nap, set your alarm so that you wake up when you’re supposed to.
Go to the Right Location
Locate a place that is not only relatively private but also quiet so you can relax. If you have your own office, before you relax in your desk chair or couch, hang a sign on your door that says “back in 20 minutes.” You can also nap on an outdoor bench or in your car. Some companies offer napping areas for employees. Get great deals on bed frames UK and create a relaxing napping area. Coupled with a break out area for recharging their batteries with a TV unit equipped with all the media that they need to switch off during their break.
Go for a Prop
Bring with you something that will remind you of sleep. You can doze off faster this way. For example, you can listen to a soothing soundtrack with headphones on or dap some aromatic lavender oil on your body’s pulse points. Try sleeping in your cubical or taking a nap in your car. Also, bring a neck pillow, an eye mask, and a blanket to help you sleep better.
Don’t Nap after 4 PM
When you do it correctly, a power nap is a good thing. When you take a nap after 4 PM, it’s not good for your health. When you take a nap late in the afternoon, you lose your night’s comfort sleep, or even worse; it can reduce your energy rather than increase it.
If You’re an Insomniac, Don’t Nap
If you have insomnia, you have difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep. If you go for a power nap when you’re an insomniac, getting up too early can cause a restless sleep experience that can turn bad instead of good. So if you have difficulty falling asleep, don’t take a power nap. Instead, take a short break, listen to soothing music, or go for a quiet walk.
Don’t Forget to Set the Alarm
When you take a power nap, it should be no more than 30 minutes. Before you take a nap, be sure to set your alarm so that you don’t oversleep. When you sleep for a longer duration than 30 minutes, you risk feeling groggy and feeling even worse than when you felt before you took a nap.
What are ways to let employees take power naps?
Give Break Times
Your employees can take power naps when you allow breaks of at least 20 to 30 minutes. You’re helping your company because you’re helping your employees to stay energized and more productive.
Provide a Quiet Space
Offer your employees a quiet place to nap. You can designate any section of the office that is less noisy. Keep in mind, also, that soothing music can help employees fall asleep.
Ditch the Technology
Allow your employees to turn off their phones, e-mails, and messages during their power naps. When you fail to prevent disturbances, it will be hard for your employees to fall asleep and reap the benefits.
Let Your Employees Nap at Their Desks
Let your employees nap at their desks if no napping space is available. While they take their power naps, they can put out a card that says ‘back in 20 minutes.” This will help to prevent disturbances.
Let Your Employees Decide When to Nap
Every person can feel dizzy at different times. Some people like to nap just during lunch or after lunch. Others want to sleep late in the afternoon. As a result, let your employees choose their nap times. This will allow them to doze off when they are ready.
Educate Your Employees on How to Nap
Provide your employees with the proper education about why napping is important and how to do it. In that education, you must convey that while getting tired at work is natural, taking a nap can help revive and rejuvenate. As a result, moods are improved, and productivity is improved.