Sleeping on the job! Why a midday nap in the middle of the work day has the power to boost productivity and brain health later in life

  • A new study has found that napping improves brain volume, which is linked to brain health  
  • Those who struggle to get enough sleep have brains that age faster, at a rate of 2.5 to 2.6 years 

By AOIBHINN MC BRIDE FOR JOBBIO

Published: | Updated:

Some European countries have done it for thousands of years, and even former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was fond of one in the back of her official car en route to meetings.

Yes, we’re talking about taking a catnap in the middle of the day to stave off exhaustion and catch up on lost sleep.

While Brits have traditionally shunned a midday nap in the middle of the working day and are among the worst sleepers globally, followed by Ireland, Canada and the USA, a new study could challenge our ways of sleeping in relation to work.

Its findings highlight that power naps have the ability to improve productivity, boost brain health and even enhance wellbeing.

This is because large brain volume is a marker for brain health, and is linked to lower risk of dementia and other diseases.

Additionally, the study established that the difference in brain volume between those who habitually nap and those who do not was equal to 2.5 to 6.5 years of ageing.

A new study shows that power naps have the ability to improve productivity, boost brain health and even enhance wellbeing

A new study shows that power naps have the ability to improve productivity, boost brain health and even enhance wellbeing

Finding the time

So, should we all start taking a siesta in the middle of the day?

For those who work remotely for all or part of the week, scheduling some shut-eye at lunchtime is feasible—workers in the UK spend significantly less time in the office at 34 per cent, compared to 50 per cent of worldwide workers.

Alternatively, you could ask your employer to follow Google’s lead and introduce sleep pods on-site.

The other option is looking at your nighttime sleep patterns and tackling any issues that are preventing you from falling into a deep sleep.

These can be as simple as drinking caffeinated drinks too close to bedtime, scrolling through social media just before you turn out the light, sleeping in a room that is too hot and not well ventilated, or even work stress and anxiety that is causing you to toss and turn.

As the adage goes, sometimes a change is as good as a rest, and if your current job isn’t working out and you’re thinking of switching roles, make sure you check out the Mail Job Board.

It features thousands of openings throughout the UK in companies that are actively hiring, including the three below.

Job openings in the UK

Account Executive - UK, Secureworks, United Kingdom

The Role: Secureworks, a global cybersecurity platform that is part of Dell Technologies, is seeking an Account Executive. 

What You’ll Do: In this hybrid role you will have responsibility for new client opportunities and with the support of sales engineering, security risk consulting and other areas of the business, utilise a consultative and solutions sales approach to map Secureworks’ service offerings to client needs. What You’ll Need: The ideal candidate will have knowledge of security vendors, technologies, industry regulations and business drivers along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, have proven analytical and problem solving skills and be able to effectively establish and maintain working team relationships with all departments.

Apply Now: Find out more about this role now.

Executive Chef- British Airways Lounge UK, BaxterStorey UK, Hounslow 

The Role: BaxterStorey is recruiting an Executive Chef to lead the BA Lounge team at Heathrow. 

What You’ll Do: Supporting the head chef, you will successfully deliver client-approved food and beverage propositions within the agreed budget, monitor and manage costs and waste consistently, employ robust product rotation and stock take practices within kitchens and utilise your experience in creating original and innovative menus.

What You’ll Need: Applicants should have multi-site and volume experience along with a visionary, collaborative and positive mindset.

Apply Now: Learn more about this opportunity here.


Showroom Manager, CareCo UK Ltd, Croydon

The Role: Mobility aid provider CareCo is looking for a Showroom Manager to lead a team of showroom advisors in Croydon.

What You’ll Do: You will be a motivating presence in the store, encouraging your team to meet objectives and sales targets and constantly looking for ways to improve the showroom. You’ll also ensure all customers are welcomed and greeted by the showroom team and their requirements are identified, and recommendations provided. Day-to-day, you’ll plan staff rotas, deliver ongoing training and manage the performance of the showroom via regular performance development reviews and one-to-one meetings.

What You’ll Need: Previous retail management experience in a fast-paced environment is required along with the ability to meet sales targets. You’ll also need to be proficient in Microsoft Office and have GCSE English and maths at GradeC/4 as a minimum.

Apply now: See the full job description here.


Browse thousands of job openings and find your dream role today via the Mail Job Board

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