Power Napping: Just 20 Minutes

Aired on Lifetime Television
August 10 and September 28, 2008
Show 519

Get this: Nike encourages its employees to take naps! Most companies still don't, however, although 40 percent of workers actually reporting having napped on the job at least once. But napping is important—sleep experts say that 20 minutes a day could really change your life. Dr. Sarah Mednick discusses sleep deprivation and the importance of napping. The benefits of napping not only include a decrease in sleepiness and more alertness, but also show great benefits to your memory. That can benefit both you and your employer, which is one reason why at Nike and some other companies, employees have mats they can use to take quick power naps. So, if your workplace still doesn't allow napping, when can you nap? Dr. Mednick suggests using part of your hour-long lunch break to take a quick snooze if you feel like one. She recommends a 20-minute nap, which provides you with refreshment while avoiding the fall into "deep sleep", which is harder to get out of and get going again.  So take that nap! It's good for you—and your company.