Overview

• Short naps of 15-30 minutes are shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and productivity, according to sleep experts and multiple studies.
• While napping during work hours remains stigmatized in the U.S., some companies like Ben & Jerry’s and startups like Exa provide nap rooms or pods for employees.
• Experts recommend mid-afternoon naps to align with natural circadian rhythms, avoiding naps longer than 30 minutes to prevent grogginess and disrupted nighttime sleep.
• Innovative solutions like Nap York offer rentable nap pods for workers, including essential personnel, addressing the lack of accessible spaces for rest outside the home.
• Cultural attitudes toward workplace napping vary globally, with countries like Japan and China normalizing naps as a sign of dedication, contrasting with restrictive policies in U.S. federal workplaces.