Arguing that a 20-minute siesta is as good as a full night’s sleep, a recent survey has found that employees in the UAE are in favour of introducing the ‘Power Nap’ concept at work.
According to an online survey conducted in July by Bayt.com, the region’s largest recruitment and career planning company, 84 per cent of 1,305 respondents who participated said that a post-lunch nap could boost their performance and concentration. The survey randomly polled people of different cultures, lifestyles and work environments across the Gulf.
Another recent survey by Bayt.com reveals that 40 per cent of employees in the Gulf region get less than the recommended eight hours sleep every night. Health experts worldwide are united in the belief that sleep deprivation affects both productivity and family life, leading to depression and mental illness.
Around 80 per cent of patients in an informal study conducted by Jebel Ali Hospital in Dubai admitted to encountering stress and depression as a result of sleep deprivation. More than 60 per cent said they did not get enough sleep due to their lifestyle, which included regular socialising, surfing the Internet, improper diet, and excessive nicotine and caffeine intake.
In the UAE, modern lifestyles have made it difficult for many people to get the recommended eight hours of sleep daily. In Bayt.com’s poll, 80 per cent of 2,794 respondents say they require between 7 and 8 hours sleep to be more productive at work. Almost 40 per cent of 1.630 respondents admit to sleeping less than six hours each night.
Dr. Suresh Menon, Specialist Physician at Jebel Ali Hospital in Dubai, said: “Although the average adult gets about 7 hours of sleep every night, they should theoretically be sleeping 8 hours or more.”
He pointed to research carried out in India which indicates that a quick afternoon nap increases productivity, creativity and problem solving skills of employees at work. “More importantly, adequate sleep is essential for the safety of employees, especially for those doing physical work involving delicate and heavy machinery. Most studies show that giving in to the urge to nap – even for 15 or 20 minutes – can boost mental and physical performance as well as mood for the rest of the afternoon.”
Dr. Haleh Azarpazhooh, Specialist Psychiatrist at Jebel Ali Hospital, said: “Researchers at Loughborough University's Sleep Research Laboratory have found that people are designed to sleep twice a day – once at night, and a nap in the afternoon. One should however not compromise on a full night's sleep as it is still necessary for many vital body functions.
“Sleep deprivation is bad for your brain when you are trying to do complicated thinking tasks. In fact, if the brain does not receive a break it will soon begin to shut down resulting in serious consequences both on performance and on the way your brain functions," she added.
Rabea Ataya, CEO of Bayt.com, believes that, while desirable, short power naps are likely to remain a dream for many employees in the Gulf’s demanding, fast-paced work environment.
He said: “Unfortunately, many companies don’t realise that lack of sleep in the long run will have detrimental effects on the output of the organisation. But the findings of this research, not to mention the enthusiasm with which people took part in the Bayt.com survey, suggest a change of thinking might be necessary. Companies need to address systems at work, and demonstrate an open mind when looking for ways to get the most out of their employees.”
Ataya said: “It’s likely that many people already take a short rest during their lunch break, but rather than stigmatising dosing at one’s desk, perhaps it’s time to encourage it!”
About Jebel Ali Hospital:
Up and running for the past nine months, Jebel Ali Hospital provides a comprehensive range of general medical services in a comforting, boutique hospital environment. The 20-bed hospital has a relaxing ambience characterised by its striking reception area, elegant artwork, and tastefully finished rooms.
About Bayt.com
Bayt.com is the leading marketplace in the Arab World for global professionals and regional companies offering end-to-end recruiting, advertising, and career planning solutions.
Bayt.com is fully functional in English and Arabic with the fastest, easiest and most effective methods for employers to find quality candidates, and for jobseekers to find the best jobs in the Middle East and North Africa.
Bayt.com is defined by its unique ‘lifestyle engineering’ proposition: to empower users to plan and build their lifestyle of choice and make informed decisions about their career, education, and family.
Bayt.com Poll surveys:
Poll question: Do you think a 20 minute power nap during work would boost workplace productivity?
|
Choices |
Votes | ||
|
|
|
Total Votes: |
1305 |
|
yes |
62.0% |
|
809 |
|
no |
16.4% |
|
214 |
|
maybe, I've never tried it before |
21.6% |
|
282 |
Poll posted 27.Jul.2006 - 03.Aug.2006
Poll question: How many hours of sleep do you think you need to be able to be productive at work?
|
Choices |
Votes | ||
|
|
|
Total Votes: |
2794 |
|
Less than 6 hours |
11.7% |
|
327 |
|
Between 7 to 8 hours |
79.7% |
|
2226 |
|
More than 8 hours |
7.6% |
|
213 |
|
I don't know |
1.0% |
|
28 |
Poll posted 03.Aug.2006 - 10.Aug.2006
Poll question: How many hours sleep average do you actually get on a regular night?
|
Choices |
Votes | ||
|
|
|
Total Votes: |
1630 |
|
- Less than 6 hours |
39.4% |
|
642 |
|
- Between 7 to 8 hours |
53.4% |
|
871 |
|
- More than 8 hours |
7.2% |
|
117 |
Poll posted 10.Aug.2006 - 17.Aug.2006
