The temptation to catch a few z’s at the office affects more of us than you might think. According to the Amerisleep survey, of those polled roughly 55% admitted to sleeping at work. Adding to sleep challenges, 90% of Americans depend on caffeine to help stay alert. Unfortunately, caffeine further disrupts an already questionable sleep pattern. (1, 2)
So, what’s a sleepy head to do? Buy a nap desk and power through.
Image from: Studio NL
The Benefits of Napping at Work
According to the study, “Prioritizing Sleep For Healthy Work Schedules” planned naps at work in short spans of 15 to 20 minutes can maintain job performance and alertness. It’s so effective that many businesses are introducing napping as part of their corporate culture. This includes big players such as Ben & Jerry’s, shoe retailer Zappos and athletic wear giant, Nike. Naps offer many benefits including restored alertness, enhanced performance and a reduction in mistakes and accidents. (3, 4)
But do these benefits really call for a nap desk?
How Sleepiness Affects Performance
There is also evidence that even with five to six hours of sleep each night people will experience a gradual impairment in nerve and brain function each day. A short power nap can improve waking function while also increasing the ability to learn and retain information. This can improve overall cognitive function. (3)
Although many companies are concerned about sleepiness directly following naps, researchers believe that the improvements to overall function outweigh this issue. Naps in the workplace should still be considered as this sleepiness does not last. (3)
But still, a nap desk?
Effective Napping in the Workplace
A study co-authored by Sara Mednick, associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside found that napping did indeed enhance performance when compared to those who do not nap. (5)
So, how do you get a good quality nap sitting in an office chair? Enter the nap desk. Studio NL designer, Nancy Leivaditou developed her multipurpose .6 S.M. of Life Desk to allow workers to change their desks into a bed. (6)
The Life desk is about 6.5” long and 2.5” wide with an adjustable desktop that moves forward at nap time. The front panel houses the bed and mattress. It drops down to the floor when you want to hit the sack for a few minutes of bliss. A hinged area at the “head” of the bed allows you to adjust the recline position for comfort. There’s even a spot for a T.V. ideal for break time.
Image from: Studio NL
EnergyPod Chair
If you’re still skeptical, sleep solution company MetroNaps has developed the EnergyPod. According to Christopher Lindholst, MetroNaps’ CEO & Co-Founder, the EnergyPod is the first chair designed for workplace napping. The EnergyPod provides an easy zero-gravity sleeping position that takes up little to no space. The chairs are being used by influential organizations including Google and Huffington Post. (7)
With a growing desire to help create healthier work environments, the nap desk and EnergyPod might just become a commonplace addition to modern office furnishings.
So, a nap desk? Sure, why not? After all, there’s a nap chair.
