Taking a nap at work does not equate to “siesta de peligro,” according to a study, so remind your boss not to snap when they catch you napping.
After a long day at the office, it can be tempting to just crash for the night instead of doing anything productive with the time off. A study suggests, however, that napping at work might alter one’s perception of productivity, so you may not need to wait until the end of your shift to re-energize.
The National Sleep Foundation, an American non-profit, conducted a study in 2022 that found that taking naps throughout the workday improved the employee’s performance.
The National Sleep Foundation provides expert information about health-related issues concerning sleep and has been rigorous in advocating proper sleep in the age of hustle bustle.
The magic of sleeping
According to research from the Sleep Foundation, sleep is necessary for the maintenance of nearly all of the body’s systems. During sleep, when people close their eyes and slow their breathing, the muscles in their bodies progressively relax. When a person is asleep, the neurons in their brain go into a resting state, which triggers a number of biochemical processes that refresh both the body and the mind.
It also added that the human cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as an individual’s capacity to think effectively, pick up new knowledge, and regulate their emotions, are all dependent on the regeneration that is provided by sleep. Sleep also plays a role in regulating an individual’s emotional state.
The useful effects of naps while working
While it might not be professional to take a sleep in the middle of your shift, the Sleep Foundation claims that doing so can help you deal with the following:
- Increased concentration, awareness, and vigilance
- Microsleeps decrease in frequency.
- Fewer work-related errors and mistakes
- Quicker reflexes
- Reduced potential for frustration, rage, or stress at work
- Less intense feelings
- Reduced future likelihood of debilitating anxiety and despair at work
The repercussions of sleep deprivation
The effects of sleepiness on the workplace can be devastating. When humans don’t get enough sleep, their bodily systems don’t function as well as they could. The study found that when people’s brains were overworked, their neurons slowed down their physical responses, hampered their reasoning, and left them feeling emotionally drained.
The American Psychological Association cited research from the University of Michigan that found people who napped for an hour during the middle of the day were less impulsive and had a higher tolerance for irritation than those who choose to watch a nature program instead.
While it’s possible your boss might be upset if you took a nap during the workday, if sleep deprivation has made you feel abnormally drowsy, it may be time to make some adjustments. Regularly getting enough sleep will boost your productivity, alertness, and ability to think quickly in challenging situations.
Napping throughout the workday is not necessarily harmful. The results are positive. Let’s say this is a wrap for the day.
