Worktimes have changed significantly in the last few years, especially suddenly we see a lot of people making home their working space or working from home altogether. With all these home environments one has also bought various techniques to support productivity.
One of the most common is having worktime naps. There are various debates around its futility but on the whole, it has mostly been gaining positive ground here we will see why.
Napping at work is often associated with a stigma. Those who nap in the workplace are often considered lazy, slackers, uninterested, and bored. This stigma is still prevalent, however. Many people who nap during the workday still consider themselves to be “lazy,” and are told that their productivity has suffered.
Why Is It Essential To Grab A Nap At The Workplace?
- Grabbing a nap during the workday is a great way to increase your productivity and stay alert. Many company owners observe employees slumped over their computers, sipping coffee and trying to power through the workday. Other employees report feeling sleepy after lunch and having trouble waking up in the morning. While the benefits of napping in the workplace are numerous, some people still feel uncomfortable taking them during the day.
- Some cultures view workday naps as essential to productivity. For example, in Japan, napping is considered a sign of dedication to one’s job. Likewise, Latin and Mediterranean cultures have a tradition of midday breaks. It is important to learn from cultures that prioritize this rest time.
- Taking a nap during the day can also help employees with their stress levels. While some workers may not be able to fall asleep during the day, others may find it difficult to sleep in the afternoons, which can affect their ability to perform at work. Despite the benefits of naps, they may have negative consequences on a person’s reputation.
- While taking a nap during the day may seem counterintuitive, it can actually increase productivity and help people finish the workday on a high note. Although it is a good idea to listen to your body and schedule a nap in the middle of the day, it’s crucial to remember to communicate with colleagues so that your colleagues don’t feel like you’re sleeping on the job.
Length Of The Power Nap
Many companies have adopted policies to encourage workers to take naps. Some companies have even built dedicated spaces for power naps. Google even has relaxation pods for employees. These include gentle rumble sounds, soothing music, and light shows.
A power nap should be scheduled in your calendar, and the best place for a nap is somewhere quiet and comfortable. If you can’t find a comfortable spot, use earplugs or white noise to block out distracting sounds. You can also use eye masks or blinds to reduce distractions.
Most people can benefit from taking a 20-minute power nap. While it won’t put you into a deep sleep, it will help you stay alert, and relaxed and improve your productivity. It will also lower your body temperature and improve the quality of your regeneration. Naps also reduce the effects of oversleeping on the brain. But don’t expect to get a full night’s sleep after a 20-minute nap.
A 20-minute workday power nap should only last about 20 minutes. If it lasts longer, it can make you feel groggy and can cause you to fall asleep again sooner than you originally intended. A power nap should be taken when you’re feeling tired, not before lunchtime. If you’re not tired enough, you can try walking outside before you take a nap.
Where Should You Take The Power Nap?
A power nap is a great way to boost your performance. They are healthier alternatives to coffee and caffeine and have been shown to increase alertness, memory, and creativity. They can also combat drowsy driving. Regardless of your preference, these small breaks can help you stay sharper and more efficient at work.
The ideal length of a power nap is around 10 to 20 minutes. However, a shorter power nap can be beneficial depending on the time of day. Longer naps can cause you to enter a slow-wave sleep, which may make you feel groggy when you wake up.
Some companies have created nap pods for their employees. One example is the social media giant, Facebook, which installed nap pods at its headquarters in Vancouver. These nap pods are equipped with sliding doors and blankets to keep noise to a minimum. The social media giant also provides soothing images to help people relax and take a power nap.
Another place to take a power nap is in a car. During a nap, you need to be comfortable and positioned properly. Avoid caffeine and heavy food, and try not to be disturbed by other people. The temperature should be comfortable, and you should also make sure that you’re in a dark room.
Benefits Of A Power Nap
Studies have shown that taking a 20-minute nap during the workday is beneficial to your health and performance. The 20-minute nap can improve your alertness, concentration, mood, and motor skills, and it can be easily incorporated into your daily schedule. These naps fall into the second stage of the NREM sleep cycle, which allows you to achieve restorative sleep with relaxed muscles and a lower body temperature. This sleep helps you recover from your day and get back to work refreshed.
Another benefit of taking a 20-minute power nap during the workday is that it improves memory and problem-solving abilities. This is because 20-minute naps are short-term sleep, which allows the brain to convert important information to long-term memory.
Power naps also reduce the symptoms of oversleeping in humans. Oversleeping is a very dangerous thing that needs to be controlled.
Concluding
Napping has become popular in the tech industry. Many developers work long hours and the company culture is heavily dependent on having a relaxed environment. Companies like Google have begun promoting napping as a way to attract top talent and maintain a good work environment. They have nap rooms equipped with energy pods, which resemble recliners. Many have special features that help people sleep, including built-in music and an alarm.
