Yes, You Should Nap at Work

It’s OK, close your eyes, breathe deeply. Your boss will wake you up soon enough. When she does, direct her attention to a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan, showing that sleeping on the job can actually boost productivity. A U of Michigan news release reports that researchers at the school asked 40 study participants, ages 18-50, to maintain a consistent sleep schedule for three nights prior to the test. Then the participants completed tasks on computers and answered questions about sleepiness, mood and impulsivity. They were randomly assigned to a 60-minute nap opportunity or no-nap period that involved watching a nature video. Research assistants monitored the participants, who later completed those questionnaires and tasks again. Ready? The envelope please…. The researchers found that those who napped spent more time trying to solve a task than the non-nappers, who were less willing to endure frustration in order to complete it. Wait, there’s more. The nappers also reported feeling less impulsive. The conclusion? Staying awake for an extended period of time hinders people from controlling negative emotional responses. “Our results suggest that napping may be a beneficial intervention for individuals who may be required to remain awake for long periods of time by enhancing the ability to persevere through difficult or frustrating tasks,” says Jennifer Goldschmied, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology and the study’s lead author.