Napping Rooms (02-24-10)

Naps are good for us.  Recent research by Dr. Matthew Walker at the University of California, Berkeley, has shown, for example, that naps enhance the functioning of our memory and it seems an afternoon nap “sets the brain up for learning,” even hours after we wake up. Evidence indicates that people living in cultures that take afternoon siestas are less likely to die of heart disease.  Facilitating napping through the design of individual workspaces or centralized napping areas is an investment in better performance.

“Researchers Explore the Benefits of Sleep – and the Problems with Sleep-Deprivation.”  2010.  Press release, American Association for the Advancement of Science, http://news.aaas.org.