U-M Study Supports Trend to Let Employees Nap at Work

Employers who allow workers to nap on the job may see an increase in productivity and workplace safety, according to a new University of Michigan study. (Photo by Nathan Jones via Flickr/Creative Commons)

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The next time your boss knocks your performance review down a notch or two for sneaking in a few winks on the job, you’ll be able to say with some scientific authority that naps are in your mutual best interests.

According to the results of a University of Michigan study published in the current online issue of Personality and Individual Differences, nap-taking may be an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behavior, boost tolerance for frustration and increase overall productivity.

Not only that, employers looking for cost-efficient strategies to improve worker safety should consider adding nap pods or rooms, where employees can take a snooze during extended break times, the researchers said in a news release.

They said Americans’ sleep patterns are in disarray, and it’s becoming more common for people, especially adults, to sleep few hours than they should, impairing their attention and memory, as well as contributing to fatigue.

The U-M researchers examined how a brief nap affected adults’ emotional control. The study’s 40 participants, ages 18-50, maintained a consistent sleep schedule for three nights prior to the test.

In a laboratory, 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.

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. In addition, nappers reported feeling less impulsive.

Combined with previous research demonstrating the negative effects of sleep deprivation, results from this latest study indicate that staying awake for an extended period of time hinders people from controlling negative emotional responses, said Jennifer Goldschmied, the study’s lead author.

“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,” Goldschmied, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, said in a statement.

The study’s authors also include Philip Cheng, Kathryn Kemp, Lauren Caccamo, Julia Roberts and Patricia Deldin.