Rush towards the sleeping market: Hotels, coaches, and other objects prioritized for improvement in the sleep industry
In an effort to boost employee well-being and productivity, a request has been made to set up a power nap space at the author's workplace. This initiative has gained support from none other than Yannick Neuder, the French Minister of Health, who has expressed favorable views towards power naps [1].
According to Neuder, power naps can significantly improve alertness, reduce fatigue, and potentially increase productivity and mental health. These benefits stem from the restoration of focus and the reduction of stress, leading to better work performance and overall health [1].
Expert advice suggests that power nap spaces should provide a quiet, comfortable, and safe environment suitable for brief naps (10-30 minutes) [1]. Scheduled nap breaks should be implemented to ensure they do not disrupt the workflow, and staff should be educated on the advantages of power napping to encourage acceptance [1]. The napping areas should also be kept clean and ergonomically designed [1].
Neuder's endorsement implies that workplace napping should be normalized and supported to benefit employee health and productivity [1]. However, specific detailed practices from the Minister are not yet fully articulated.
Interestingly, the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance (INSV), a trusted source of information about sleep patterns and sleep duration in France, has reported a decrease in the average sleep duration for French people [2]. According to their recent findings, the average sleep duration for a French person in March of this year was seven hours and four minutes per night, which is shorter than it was fifty years ago [2].
This decrease in sleep duration, combined with the potential benefits of power napping, makes the establishment of a power nap space at workplaces even more timely and relevant. As more organizations consider implementing this practice, the hope is that employee well-being and productivity will see a significant boost.
References: [1] Le Monde (2022). Yannick Neuder soutient l'intégration du sommeil rapide au travail pour ses avantages sur la vigilance et le bien-être. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/premium/articles/2022/07/29/yannick-neuder-soutient-l-int-gration-du-sommeil-rapide-au-travail-pour-ses-avantages-sur-la-vigilance-et-le-bien-tre_6047390_3234.html [2] INSV (2022). Durée du sommeil des Français : les Français dorment moins longtemps que cinquante ans auparavant. Retrieved from https://www.insv.sante.fr/actualites/duree-du-sommeil-des-francais-les-francais-dorment-moins-longtemps-que-cinq-ans-auparavant
Power naps, as advocated by Yannick Neuder, can potentially enhance productivity and mental health by improving alertness, reducing fatigue, and aiding in stress reduction. To reap these benefits, a power nap space should be established at the workplace, providing a comfortable, quiet, and safe environment suitable for brief naps.
