Many people sleep at work, says 1800mattress.com
Survey shows 38% of employees have snoozed on job
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, June 19, 2008
NEW YORK ¯ If the guy working next to you is a little quiet, there may be a reason — 38% of employees say they have fallen asleep on the job, according to a survey done by multi-channel retailer 1800mattress.com.
The company said it surveyed 5,000 callers in May. It released the results in advance of its Recess at Work Day promotion today (June 19), during which it is inviting consumers to take a nap at any of the company’s 46 stores.
Company officials also cited articles that estimated that sleep deprivation cost U.S. businesses nearly $150 billion annually in absenteeism and lost productivity, and that encouraged companies to create a workplace napping policy.
“Over the years, our customers have been telling us in rapidly increasing numbers that they regularly steal some time for sleep on the job,” said John O’Connell, executive vice president of sales and merchandising. “Sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and we are sure that employees who take us up on our offer will return to work happier and more productive.”
O’Connell added that “quality of sleep is more important than quantity.” 1800mattress.com suggests five ways to improve sleep quality, and perhaps reduce at-work snoozing:
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Try to stay on a regular pattern of going to sleep and getting up to within a one-hour window for consistency.
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Establish a routine to follow before sleep to help train the body to wind down and to prepare for sleep. To limit distractions, avoid bringing laptop computers or other devices into the bedroom.
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Try to have your bedroom between 65 and 70 degrees, since cooler environments are more conducive to prolonged sleep and can minimize sleep disturbances through the night.
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If you must watch TV, have it on a sleep timer. Try and keep the room as dark and quiet as possible. Turn alarm clocks so you can't see their glow as the urge to check the time can add to stress and disturb rest.
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Inspect your mattress. If it squeaks, you wake up with back pain, toss and turn at night, or sleep better away from home, it’s probably time for a new one. The item most depended on to provide restorative sleep could be the biggest reason you are not getting it.
Talkback
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I love that they're inviting consumers, but not employees to take a nap!
- 2008-06-18 17:09:34
