Numerous studies have shown that taking sleep in the middle of the day enhances attitude and productivity. Unfortunately, sleeping is frowned upon in most workplace settings. Do not fret. I found out how to take a daily sleep while working in a business environment.
You may snooze anytime you want as long as you don’t snore excessively if you have a private office with a locking door and no windows (like in Mad Men). Sadly, these workplaces are becoming less common. The following are your choices:
1. Have a car nap.
Always leave enough space between your automobile and the workplace at a location where there won’t be much foot activity. Tell everyone who questions why you parked so far away that you needed the exercise.
If there is a parking lot at your place of business, park in the back corner. Unless it is visible from the office, park on the roof if your office employs a parking garage; otherwise, park one level down.
Put a reasonable but ambiguous letter justifying your absence from work on your desk at 2 PM when you decide you need sleep. “In meeting till 3,” for instance. Go to your car, recline the seat, set an alarm on your phone, and take sleep.
2. Take a nap in the boardroom.
Most office buildings include several conference rooms available for booking as meeting spaces. Conference rooms frequently feature doors without windows, in contrast to offices. If so, arrange a meeting in the smallest conference room but do not extend an invitation.
Go to your “meeting,” shut the door, and fall asleep on the conference table while perched in a chair. Sit close to the conference room door so that you will be startled awake if it is opened.
Most of the time, people won’t even open the door because they think there is a meeting going on. However, if someone does open it, sit up, appear to be expecting someone else, and then address the individual as follows: “This is nonsense. I’m done waiting around here.”
then furiously storm out of the meeting room.
3. Take a nap in the bathroom.
There are typically unoccupied restrooms in every office building. It’s often in the rear of the building or on a floor with few people.
If you still have a briefcase, a large laptop computer, or a large piece of paper, bring it with you when you leave your workstation. Additionally, bring a few manila files to give the impression that you are attending a sizable meeting.
Place the briefcase, computer, or paper on your lap, then take a seat in the stall that is furthest from the entrance and proceed while supporting yourself with your elbows. Though it may seem challenging at first, sleeping in this posture is rather simple after you’ve become used to it.
4. Sleep on your desk.
Get your desk placed in a workstation or cubicle away from the main flow of traffic. The fact that you’ll be more productive without the additional distraction makes this a solid option in any case.
Your chair should be turned around so the back is facing the hallway. Place something on your laps, such as a clipboard or files, and hold a pencil in your right hand as if you were ready to write something.
As though you were about to get a call, place your left hand on your phone. Go for it while maintaining your balance such that your body is supporting your head. Again, practice is necessary, but you’d be surprised at how simple it is.
You’ll be sufficiently awakened if someone approaches your desk that you may take up the phone and seem to be busy and ready to make a call. Nobody will be able to tell that you were sleeping since, well, who could sleep dozing in that position?
Who is that? Me. And with a little practice, you can do it too.
Last modified: December 7, 2022
