I know what you are all thinking and you really need to get your mind out of the gutter – as that is not what this post is about. 
Dr. Maoshing Ni recently wrote that one of the secrets to longevity is taking power naps.
According to Dr. Mao, taking a power nap – generally between 15 and 30 minutes – can benefit you in the way of enhanced cognitive function, improved patience, better reaction time, and better overall health. In addition to these benefits, taking a midday nap is a great way to reduce your stress and may decrease your risk of heart disease.
It may seem counterintuitive that sleeping on the job can actually improve your performance. But when you consider that many people are sleep-deprived, fatigue can cost a company significantly in the form of costly mistakes, accidents, and overall poor productivity.
While some companies are beginning to encourage the midday power nap, your boss or company might not yet buy into the benefits. If that is the case, try these sneaky tips to grab a quick break (use at your own risk):
- Nap in your car. During your lunch break, head out to your car for a quiet place to take a quick nap. By getting out of the office, you will avoid any distractions and interruptions from your co-workers. If you’re worried about people seeing you in the parking lot, drive to the nearest store and pull into a parking spot to take your nap.
- Fake phone call. Your boss might not like the site of you sprawled out taking a nap, so sit at your desk and hold the phone to your ear like you are on a call. If possible, sit with your back to your office or cubicle door. Best used when you just need a few minutes to relax and recharge.
- Bathroom sleeper. At a previous job I actually worked with someone that did this on a regular basis, as we discovered when we heard snoring in the bathroom. This is a great place to avoid interruptions and I highly doubt anyone will question you even if they do realize that you have been in the bathroom for 15-20 minutes.
There are many benefits to taking a short nap during the day, as I am sure you may remember from your college days when an afternoon nap was part of the routine.
You will return to your work with an increased energy and enthusiasm after a short nap. Just don’t sleep too long as then you will enter the deeper stages of sleep and will have a difficult time becoming focused again.
If you get caught sleeping, be prepared to discuss the benefits to an afternoon power nap and how you are attempting to improve your work productivity.
Photo courtesy of frenchbyte