5 Reasons Why Sleeping On The Job Is Actually A GOOD Thing

While some people would tell you that sleeping on the job is a bad habit, science is actually saying otherwise. According to experts, napping at work brings numerous benefits – including boosting your productivity.

In an article written by Bradley Young, co-founder of relaxation solutions company Silentmode, we learn that taking a nap can be an advantage both for your body and your company. Read on and you just might convince your boss to be a little more accepting about office napping.

1. Your productivity will increase.

As mentioned above, a nap can be an effective way of improving productivity. Fatigue often leads to decreased performance and so it’s much better to take a bit of rest, especially in the afternoon. Young shared a research published by Nature Neoroscience which said participants who napped at least 30 minutes in between performance tests did not experience performance deterioration in the day.

2. Your stress level is decreased.

Fighting off stress during working hours can be a challenge if you don’t nap. Your mood will improve and your stress levels will lower if you take the time to rest and relax.

3. You will be more focused.

Our minds tend to wander when we’re busy and tired and so a quick nap can be an excellent fix for the problem. You’ll be more efficient in your work plus you’ll even get to avoid mistakes and accidents.

4. You will have better memory.

A study done by researchers from Germany’s Saarland University shows us that napping beats caffeine when it comes to improving one’s memory. Participants on the research exhibited better capability at remembering pairs of words when they napped for 45 to 60 minutes as compared with those who did not.

5. You’ll be more creative.

Meanwhile, studies at Harvard Medical School and the University of California tell us that those who nap and get REM sleep are more flexible and creative afterwards.

To make the most of your nap, there are certain things you need to keep in mind, according to Young.

He wrote:

“First, find a quiet space where no one will disturb you such as an unused conference or break room. Many progressive workplaces have actually started including nap rooms to give tired employees a place to rest comfortably. Next, decide on how long you want to nap. It’s best to try for around 10–30 minutes as longer breaks can lead to you to feel groggier when you wake up. It’s also important to choose the best time to nap. According to the Mayo Clinic this is usually after you’ve had lunch, around 2 or 3pm, but everyone is different so choose the time that feels right for you and doesn’t disrupt your night-time sleep.”