Do you ever feel a lull in energy levels after lunch?

Do you sometimes wish you could just have a little siesta to refresh you?

The post-lunch nap has not yet been adopted in Britain and is often considered a sign of weakness however the ‘Power Nap’ as it is commonly called, offers real benefits to health, productivity and wellbeing.

Research shows that we have a strong biological tendency to become tired in the early afternoon. A short 10-20 minute nap in the middle of a working day can increase productivity by over 30% and alertness by 100% as well as improve memory and concentration, according to NASA.  Recent research shows that we can also reduce stress and the risk of heart disease by 34%. Sleep deprivation has been shown to make weight loss more difficult as well as cause accidents at work and on the road.  Even 5 minutes can be beneficial! 

Benefits of the 10-20 minute nap:

          - More energy

          - Improve productivity by over 30%

          - Improve alertness by up to 100%

          - Reduce stress and the risk of heart disease by 34%

          - Better negotiation and communication

          - Reduce risk of accidents at work and on the road

          - Happiness and wellbeing

National Siesta Day 2008 on Wednesday 25th June is one day in the year when we can all close our eyes for 10-20 minutes during our normal lunch break without fear of criticism. Company bosses are encouraged to let their staff have a nap as part of their normal lunch break, avoiding disruption to work. National Siesta Day is a non-commercial, non-profit making Awareness Day.

The main purpose of the event is to help make the practice of having a short post-lunch nap acceptable practice in UK culture.  Running for its third year it is receiving widespread radio and TV coverage and thousands of people are voicing their support up and down the country.

Do It Every Day

The short nap is an effective tool in helping us to be more healthy, alert and productive in the afternoon.  Potentially it can help reduce the risk of illness and accidents, relieving some pressure on the NHS.  In short, it’s really good for us.

Have a nap. Do it today.