Sleeping at work improves performance, say researchers

Employers should consider letting tired staff sleep on the job in order to raise their performance, researchers say.

Scientists at the Massey University Sleep/Wake Research Centre are studying the effectiveness of short naps in alleviating fatigue.

Associate director of the centre Leigh Signal said not getting enough sleep was a common problem, due to the increasing demands of a 24-hour society.

Fatigue caused by lack of sleep was a factor in the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. On a smaller scale, tiredness could lead to a drop in work productivity, Dr Signal said.

"Feeling sleepy is only one of the symptoms. Slower reaction times, difficulty paying attention, memory problems, poorer physical coordination and a reduced ability to analyse and solve problems are observed following only one night of restricted sleep," she said.

The Sleep/Wake researchers believe naps of between 20 and 60 minutes, in the early hours of the morning, could be an effective strategy to reduce fatigue for people working overnight.

Centre staff were using their purpose-built sleep laboratory to assess the effects of napping on performance and alertness.

Participants in the study were spending four weekends each at the lab, during which they were made to stay awake for an extended period. On three out of the four occasions, a brief nap was allowed during the night.

Performance and alertness were measured at frequent intervals to determine how the naps affected the participants.

Although it was possible to reduce the effects of fatigue temporarily with things like caffeine, noise or exercise, the only way to truly overcome sleepiness was to sleep, Dr Signal said.

"The results [of the study] will provide better guidelines for the effective use of naps as a way of combating sleepiness in the workplace," she said.

- NZPA