The art of taking the perfect nap

By Angela Garrity, Guest blogger

The lack of catching 40 winks can leave us daydreaming about climbing back into bed or wanting to hide under our desks just for ten minutes or so. George Costanza taught Seinfeld viewers the infamous art of sleeping on the job, but could this classic television comedy example have a ring of truth to it?

According to The National Sleep Foundation, a 20-minute nap is all that is needed to reap the benefits of napping.  Improved alertness, enhanced performance, and a better mood can all be gained by waking up refreshed.

Sleep hygiene, the practice of the calming habits that we do before bedtime to help us sleep better, can have a major impact on the days ahead. This is all stemmed from whether we’ve had a good or bad night’s sleep.

Workplace Insight recently discovered that employees sometimes need help with improving their sleeping habits and encourages employers to let their employees “take ten.” They discovered that taking ten minutes to be calm, reflect, step away from their computer, not only lowers stress levels but will also help productivity – rejuvenating concentration and helping to see work problems from a new perspective. 

Companies have created designated nap areas known as “strategic sleeping rooms.” The rooms are designed to block sound from entering and are filled with sofas and aromatic fragrances. 

The trend started in Japan and has made its way overseas to the U.S. Some sleeping spas have become a hot spot lunchtime escape for New York City workers who wish to step out of the office and into a separate retreat in the city that never sleeps.

Still not getting the rest you so desperately need? The coffee nap might be an even better option.

That is a win-win for everyone in and out of the office.

Angela Garrity is a guest blogger for Death Wish Coffee Co. Her work can be found in Vapun Magazine as well as on their website.

Related: Seriously, you should take nap after drinking coffee

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