Employers should let workers have an afternoon nap today, study claims
Employees should be allowed an afternoon nap at work today to catch up on lost sleep after the clocks changed this weekend, an expert claims.
According to Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a psychologist who led the research on behalf of bed manufacturers Silentnight, approximately 25 percent of workers survive on five hours a sleep every day (which is three hours less than average).
And as a consequence to British Summer Time, employees missed out on yet another vital hour’s worth of shut-eye over the weekend.
Dr Ramlakhan said, “The loss of an hour in bed is particularly detrimental to individuals who already struggle with their sleep, and recent research by Silentnight has proved that many Brits, including children, are dangerously sleep deprived.”
She continued: “If you are one of the 25 per cent of the nation that gets less than five hours sleep a night, this time change could see you drop down to as little as four hours, which is a dangerously low amount.”
According to Dr Ramlakhan, a short nap in the office can help to repair muscles and reduce the effects of ageing.
She added, “Just a twenty minute power nap can make a huge difference. Naps have been scientifically proven to boost creativity and problem solving ability, and they can even re-balance the immune system, meaning staff are less likely to take sick days.”
Her recent study with the University of Leeds also investigated the health problems associated with a poor night’s sleep which included heart conditions, depression and diabetes.
Another recent study conducted by David Wagner of the University of Oregon also backs up her claims. According to findings, a lack of shut-eye led to a five percent increase in the number of heart attacks reported and there was also a five percent increase in the number of injuries at work.
So if you’re planning on taking a quick break this afternoon (with the permission of your boss of course), Dr Ramlakhan recommends taking one between 2pm and 4pm.
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