Younger Adults and Men More Likely to Nap at Work

What to know: A recent survey by sleep wellness company Sleep Doctor revealed that 1 in 3 workers admit to napping during work hours, with 46% napping at least a few times a year. The survey highlighted that 33% of respondents nap weekly, with 9% napping once per week, 18% several times per week, and 6% daily. While a short nap can help recharge energy levels, it's advised not to make it a habit, especially for individuals with insomnia, as it can worsen sleep issues.

Deeper details: The survey, conducted with nearly 1,300 full-time U.S. employees in March via Pollfish, shed light on post-pandemic workforce habits. Interestingly, it found that in-person employees are also taking advantage of napping opportunities, with 27% napping at the office weekly. The most common locations for in-person napping included cars, desks, company-designated napping places, returning home, and even bathrooms.

The backstory: Men were identified as more frequent nappers during work hours, with 52% of male employees napping at least a few times a year compared to 38% of females. Additionally, younger adult employees, particularly those aged 18-34, were more likely to nap during the workday compared to older colleagues. Factors such as childcare, longer commutes, and increased demands on free time were cited as reasons for younger adults being more sleep-deprived.

Looking ahead: Remote and hybrid workers were found to take longer workday naps, with over half of them napping for more than 30 minutes. Clinical psychologist Alaina Tiani recommended short naps of 20-30 minutes to enhance alertness without delving into deeper sleep stages. The survey data also revealed that job stressors, such as demanding projects and work-life balance issues, were significant contributors to sleep deprivation among employees, leading to the need for daytime naps.