Thursday 9 April 2009

Power napping pays

Why Power Nap?
Because it's a powerful benefit for both you and your Boss!

While small children typically take naps in the afternoon, UK culture generally frowns upon mid-day sleep or 'power naps' as they are sometimes called. However, even in those who get enough sleep (and especially those who don’t), many people experience a natural increase in drowsiness in the afternoon, about 8 hours after waking and power napping can be the cure.

Research shows that you can make yourself more alert, reduce the stress of the day and improve cognitive functioning with a nap. Mid-day sleep, or a ‘power nap’, means increased patience, less stress, better reaction time, increased learning, more efficiency and better health. Sounds too good to be true but it can really work and with age it is even more effective.

All you have to do is find a quiet and comfortable corner; admittedly not always easy in a busy office, divert the phones and ignore the email and have 10-15 minutes head-back, eyes closed relaxation - and if sleep follows ... even better.

Try power napping and tell us if it works for you.

Gareth

APA Members who want to know about the benefits of sleep and how a power nap can help can go to the Knowledge Zone of the Members area of the website for more information.

This article was inspired by a piece by Elizabeth Scott of About.com

1 comment:

Abbi Mason said...

Just spotted this whle replying to another posting.

I can confirm that it really does work. My Boss (John) has a snooze every lunchtime. I usually go for lunch first and bring him a sandwich in, which he eats and then has a nap (for no more than 10mins). He is annoyingly bouncy afterwards and is completely recharged. If he has had a stressful morning it also seems to refresh his mood (although he is hardly ever grumpy ;-). If I had my way I would make it compulsory for all managers.