According to studies done by NASA, a short 20 to 30 (NASA placed the optimum time to be 26 minutes) minute nap improves productivity and alertness in employees. The most progressive Companies in the world like Google, Facebook and Proctor and Allan, allow their staff a 20 minute nap time every working day, to improve performance and help employees rejuvenate in the workplace, instead of stealing a few winks on their desks. Which was the norm in the past?

How the Nap Pod is built

To achieve that, there is now the Nap Pod. Built like a chair with a helmet, or like some sort of exaggerated hair dryer. The Nap Pod is a shiny capsule with a hood and a contoured bed that is adjustable and elevates the feet for improved blood circulation. Its design allows the lower back to be in a relaxed position, with the knees slightly bent. That position also aids in taking off the pressure on the cardiac system.  The dome-like hood provides the privacy of sorts with a visor for seclusion.  The nap pod also has a controlled armrest and fresh music which plays through built-in 200 watt Bose speakers, with a headphone jack option to block out noise interference from outside.

Instead of alarms to awaken a sleeping employee, the nap pod has a built-in timer that vibrates, and slow brightening lights that switch on, after the 20 minute nap time is over. The timer can be adjusted to other occasions as well. The exclusion of an alarm is to minimize grogginess, so that the “napper”, does not wake up startled.

The Benefits of the Nap Pod

Sleep deprivation in a workforce lowers productivity and in turn the quality of work an employee submits. Most employees turn to coffee and energy drinks. These stimulants contain massive amounts of caffeine. They depress sleep and are not a healthy habit in the long run. The Nap Pod gives the opportunity of getting rid of the sleep, in a healthy way, and provides a good atmosphere and environment, hence getting rid of unhealthy caffeine habits. The study by NASA also shows that a 20-minute nap apart from increasing alertness also improves an employees’ input by 34%.

Poor memory, anti-social behavior, and low energy levels are some of the other disadvantages of sleep deprivation. The Nap Pod generally improves the health of employees.

The Future of the Nap Pod

Sleeping on the job will soon become a reality to many sleep deprived employees if the positive response towards the Nap Pod is anything to go by. A larger, healthier population of employees is also in the offing thanks to the Nap Pod, and Companies will reflect more productivity, which in turn leads to additional profits. The quality of work output will also improve to a higher scale.

Currently, the Nap Pod or the ‘Energy Pod’ as it is known in other circles is being used in 20 countries, spread over four continents.  This can only mean more and more companies will in time embrace the Nap Pod for its immense benefits to the workforce.