Workplace Napping Gains Traction as Productivity Booster

Despite lingering stigma in the U.S., short naps are increasingly recognized for their cognitive and health benefits, with some employers creating spaces for rest.

• 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.

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