Should workers be allowed to nap after lunch? New French study thinks so

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Have you ever found yourself drowsily staring at your computer screen after lunch, trying not to nod off?

If you have you’re likely not alone and one French think tank is arguing you should be able to sleep off that post-meal drowsiness, letting you finish the rest of your work nice and refreshed.

The independent progressive think tank Terra Nova has published a new study arguing that French workers should be entitled to a 15 to 20 minute nap after lunch, reports The Telegraph.

The study argues allowing workers to nap will not only improve their psychological well-being, but will also be good for business by increasing productivity and lowering employee absenteeism.

And a post-lunch nap isn’t only in an average worker’s best interest. The study also argues regular napping will also benefit those in upper management as well, who typically only get 6.5 hours of sleep a night on average.

The study suggests that a simple napping room where employees can rest their eyes is all that’s needed to help combat workplace fatigue.

“All that’s needed is a calm room where you can turn off the strip lighting and come out refreshed,” said study co-author Dr. Jean-Pierre Giordanella.

A lack of good quality rest, approximately eight hours a night or so depending on the individual, can lead to a number of negative side effects. Everything from poor mental health, a weakened immune system and a shortened life expectancy have been linked to lack of sleep, according to NHS Choices.