Benefits of a Power Nap

Increase Productivity, Creativity By Scheduling Short Breaks

Babies do it. Every animal on the planet does it. So, why shouldn't you take a nap?

Nap lounges are finding their way into today's workplace. Nearly 75 percent of Americans are sleep-deprived, and a power nap may be the way to reduce the deficit.

Shift workers such as Casey Skinner must have a strategy to maintain their edge. His work as a news editor, with unpredictable hours, can take a toll.

"Right now I'm on my 14th hour within a 24-hour period," Skinner said. "As of about an hour ago, I'm really starting to get a little spacey. I find myself zoning out a lot more."

Judith Sachs, author of "20-Minute Vacations," has a cure for Skinner's fatigue.

"A power nap is a great thing to do for 20 minutes," she said. "It actually gives your conscious mind a break, and it allows your whole body to completely let go."

Sachs said that people should consider fitting naptime into their schedules.

  • A power nap is just as refreshing as eight hours of sleep.
  • It's a stress survival skill to help combat sleep deprivation and our fast-paced lifestyles.
  • It provides an alternative to artificial stimulants such as coffee.
  • A power nap increases productivity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

    • Sachs also offered theses tips for napping at work:

  • Power nap at lunchtime, since your office will be less busy.
  • Close your door, dim your lights and turn off your phone, so you won't be disturbed.
  • Don't nap longer than 20 minutes to avoid feeling groggy.
  • Loosen any constrictive clothing, and take off your shoes.
  • Look at your clock, remember the time, and when you close your eyes, picture the clock 20 minutes later. This will help your unconscious mind gauge your time.

    • By setting aside time to reenergize, Skinner said that he's ready to take on the rest of his day.

    "Right after the nap, I'm ready to go," he said. "You get an extra boost. It definitely helps. If I don't get a power nap in there somewhere, there's no way I could function."

    Important historical figures such as John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison and Napoleon were avid nappers.

    Be sure to mark your calendars each April for National Workplace Napping Day.

    Additional Resources:

    McGraw-Hill Professional
    Napping Enhances Worker Productivity
    The Napping Company

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