If you are not snoozing now and then at work, there’s ample reason to think you are missing an opportunity to enhance your career.
A survey by the National Sleep Foundation found that 50 million Americans get on average of 6.7 hours sleep on weeknights. (Eight hours is recommended.) Just over one-half of the adult population say that drowsiness keep them from being as productive as they could be.
This problem could be alleviated considerably, according to the experts, if the sleep deprived made a practice of taking a catnap (powernap, if you prefer) during the workday. Sara C. Mednick at the Salk Institute, says, “…napping is a necessary and effective tool that can be used by anyone in the pursuit of optimum health, happiness and productivity.”
Makes sense, but it is easier said than done because employers at large haven’t embraced the idea.
So, we are most often left to taking a nap on the sly: nodding off in a restroom stall; reclining on the backseat of our cars in the parking log; sprawled out on the couch in the employee lounger; resting one’s head on his desk. More than one person has been known to crawl under his desk for a nap break.
Some degree of relaxation can be achieved with a nap lasting five minutes or so, some studies show. Twenty minutes is probably the magic number. Beyond that gets to be deep sleep, which is to come back from.
Career Tip: Figure out a way to take that powernap on the job. You and your employer will benefit. Napping is not wasting time.
Let me know what you think via your comments on this posting.
I wish you career success!
Ramon Greenwood, Head Career Coach
Common Sense At Work
I fully agree with a short “naptime” each day. I used to be confused by the idea thinking that, if I was tired, I would much rather sleep for 5-6 hours vs. just 20 minutes. However, once I tried the naptime I realized that it wasn’t actually sleeping, moreover it was simply closing your eyes and resting for a while. After that brief resting time I feel more energized than ever and have plenty of energy to continue the workday as well as play hard at night in my sporting activities.