Human Resources 101

Samantha Grice takes a look at the the benefits of a mid-day nap on productivity in the workplace in the National Post article, Workers of the world, turn out the lights!.

Napping tips from Take a Nap! Change Your Life. : The Scientific Plan to Make You Smarter, Healthier, More Productive.

- Remove “nap blockers,” meaning those items associated with work, i.e. a doctor’s stethoscope, a handyman’s tool belt or a student’s textbooks.

- Create a safe nap location. For example, if you are napping in your car make sure the parking lot is secure, and during the summer keep your windows cracked.

- Silence beepers, cellphones and other electronic devices and put your computer into sleep mode. Noise-cancelling devices and ear plugs are also handy for creating a quiet sleeping environment.

- Light inhibits the production of melatonin (the hormone that acts upon the hypothalamus, which causes the brain to switch to sleep mode) and that is why it’s easier to fall asleep in the dark. If it’s not possible to block out light, invest in a sleepmask that covers your eyes.

- Our bodies associate sleep with lying down, but if you can’t find a place to fully recline, at least lean back and make sure your head and limbs are well supported so your body can maintain position as it relaxes. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself doing the head-bob. A yoga mat and a light blanket are also helpful napping tools.

- Lay off the caffeine and nicotine, and watch out for drugs such as those for the common cold containing ephedra.

- And be patient. Napping takes practice, so don’t lose hope the first few times you have trouble falling asleep.