Office naps boost productivity, kill frustration

Employees must be allowed to take short naps during office hours as this will boost productivity and generate more revenue for the company, a study says. Short naps are an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behaviour and boost tolerance for frustration at work, researchers from the University of Michigan found.

"Napping may be a beneficial intervention for individuals who are required to stay awake for long period of time by enhancing the ability to persevere through difficult or frustrating tasks," said researcher Jennifer Goldschmied, doctoral student in the department of psychology.

Employers may find their employees more productive when the workplace has nap pods or extended break times are offered. The researchers examined how a brief nap affected adults' emotional control.

The 40 participants, ages 18-50, maintained a consistent sleep schedule for three nights prior to the test. They 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.

Those who napped spent more time trying to solve a task and reported less impulsivity than the non-nappers who were less willing to endure frustration in order to complete it. The results indicate that staying awake for an extended period of time hinders people from controlling negative emotional responses. (The results appeared online in the journal Personality and Individual Differences)