Power at work? Science says yes. Now explain to your boss
Power naps are useful. No, we are not just saying this, science returns it with enough evidence. So, is your boss preventing you from snoozing?
Legal warning: If you are a boss in any organization in any capacity, this article is not for you (or perhaps it is). We are going to discuss some very sensitive, so we request strict supervision before reading further, as it has an unpopular opinion.
It is 3 o’clock, you have just finished lunch and have gone back to your desk to resume work in an humid afternoon. However, within a few minutes, you feel the need for a quick nap. Your eyes are almost closing, and gradually getting more difficult for you to continue the drill. The only thing that can save you is a nap, a power nap. But alas, there is no provision for the same in your office, because only lazy people feel the need for it (this is the perception). But is it true?
Science (and some very reliable doctors) has something to say. Power blinks, yes, those small, sweet midday snooze, not just for toddlers or your grandparents. They are productivity power-ups, and research is strongly in their corner.
So, what is really a power nap?
A power nap is a quick 10–30 minute snooze designed to reboot your brain, without drawing you into the area of deep sleep.
Dr. According to Avala Ravi Charan, consultant in Apollo hospitals, Visakhapatnam, traditional pulmonologist, “Power NAPS has average impact on mental performance, learning, motor skills and long -term health.” Originally, it is supported self-care, science.
During the afternoon, we experience the time of fatigue, and studies suggest that a small nap during this dip does not just promote vigilance, it also accelerates cognitive function.
Unlike its full 90 -minute sleep cycle (which comes with the risk of waking up in a fog), a power nap leaves heavy steps of sleep. This means that you wake up sharper, not sleepier.
How it helps with stress
Work stress is real for anyone who is part of daily pieces. Challenges on work become very difficult every day, and vigilance is rewarded. This is the place where a power nap comes in handy. Dr. Charan breaks more in way power naps can help:
- Stress hormone low: The lower levels of the short nap cortisol can occur, a major stress hormone, which helps the body to enter more comfort.
- Better cognitive function: They increase focus, memory retention and problem-solving skills, making it easier to manage work demands.
- Better mood: By reducing negative emotions, you can improve emotional welfare by reducing negative feelings such as frustration and irritability.
- Vigilance and increase in energy: A quick nap helps fight fatigue, allowing continuous productivity and concentration throughout the day.
According to Sheena Sood, a psychologist at Mumbai’s PD Hinduja Hospital, “Power naps are like a reward after hours after hours. They keep the employees busy and reduce burnouts. I have seen it with retention and even absence.”
So basically, people can prevent them from leaving from nap. Are you listening, team HR?
“When corrected, especially for those who do not get enough sleep at night, the power helps to relax and recharge without breaking your night’s sleep,” she says.
timing is everything
Now, some rules before you are ready to snoo out on your desk. Dr. Phase recommends taking a nap between 1 pm and 4 pm, when your energy is naturally immersed. If you take that nap very late, it will play with your night’s sleep, and if you do it for a very long time, you will feel nervous.
Sweet place?
- 10-20 minutes for a quick fresh
- 20-30 minutes if you need a deep mental recharge
Dr. Suhas HS, Consultant – Fulfyologist, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore says, “Make sure that the environment you take a power, is calm, dark, and a perfect place to rest with minimal noise. And if possible, use an eye mask.
For people with sleep issues
“Power naps are particularly helpful for those who have insomnia -like sleep disorders,” is called Sood. “They help restore cognitive energy and creativity during workdays.” But saying that, it is not a permanent solution for people with older issues such as sleep disorders or sleep apnea. For that, you need a doctor’s help.
So, can you really pitch it to your boss?
You need, and we will tell you how. Do not pitch it as rest; Frame it as a return to investment. Explain that you are not wasting time, but trade 20 minutes to focus better and a calm state of mind.
Now go ahead, forward it to your boss – we have received you (just not snoring, we are not taking that obligation).
