Sleep: Office Naptime Improves Frustration, Productivity

Feeling impulsive or down-right frustrated? Go ahead and take a nap.

New findings published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences reveal that taking a nap can be an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behavior and boost tolerance for frustration, according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

For the study, researchers examined how a brief nap affected adults' emotional control. Participants involved in the study were between the ages of 18-50 and maintained a consistent sleep schedule for three nights prior to the test.

In the laboratory, participants were required to complete tasks on computers and answer questions regarding sleepiness, impulsivity and mood. Then, they were randomly assigned to a 60-minute nap opportunity or no-nap period that involved watching a nature video. The assistants also monitored the participants, who later completed questionnaires and tasks again.

Findings revealed that those who napped were more likely to spend time trying to solve a task when compared to non-napping counterparts. Furthermore, nappers reported feeling less impulsive.

"Our results suggest that napping may be a beneficial intervention for individuals who may be required to remain awake for long periods of time by enhancing the ability to persevere through difficult or frustrating tasks," said Jennifer Goldschmied, the study's lead author, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, in a news release.

Furthermore, researchers noted that napping may increase productivity and be a safe and cost-effective reason to extend a bit of break time in the office. We're certainly not opposed. 

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