OFFICE NAP
Bosses ‘should give workers an afternoon NAP on Monday to help them get over the lost hour after clocks go forward’
Computer screens and electronic light can butcher our bedtimes, sleep scientists say
BOSSES should let staff kip in the office on Monday to help them recover their lost hour's sleep after clocks went forward today, scientists say.
Computer screens and other electronic lighting can disrupt our bedtime routines and figures show a quarter of workers get by on just five hours sleep a night.
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Scientists say that a failure to catch Z's increases the risk of diabetes, heart problems and depression.
The sleep experts are calling on firms to allow employees to take a nap in the office to make up for the time lost over the weekend.
Psychologist Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, who led the research for bed manufacturers Silentnight, said the time change could see some workers drop to four hours.
She said: “This weekend the clocks go forward and we’ll lose an hour of sleep on Sunday.
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“The loss of an hour in bed is particularly detrimental to individuals who already struggle with their sleep, and recent research by Silentnight has proved that many Brits, including children, are dangerously sleep deprived.”
Dr Nerina added: “Unlike our ancestors we’re constantly surrounded by unnatural electronic light, whether it’s from light fittings, computer screens, televisions or mobile phones.
“This constant exposure to artificial light can have an effect on our sleep quality, and often even when we think we are indulging in a long sleep, the truth is our sleep quality is poor and we still wake up feeling tired.
Speaking last year, the sleep scientist said:''If you are one of the 25 per cent of the nation that gets less than five hours sleep a night, this time change could see you drop down to as little as four hours, which is a dangerously low amount.
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"Bosses should consider allowing staff to take a short nap in the office. It can make a huge difference."
The doctor, who specialises in sleep therapy, believes "catnaps" can bolster the immune system, repair muscles - and can even be anti-ageing.
She added: "Just a twenty minute power nap can make a huge difference. Naps have been scientifically proven to boost creativity and problem solving ability, and they can even rebalance the immune system, meaning staff are less likely to take sick days.
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''Company nap time would definitely work in the boss' favour in the long run.
She said a power nap should be done between 2pm and 4pm - but no later otherwise it might affect sleep later at night.
Dr Ramlakhan added: "Allowing staff to indulge in a nap during the working day might sound unusual, but considering the country will be losing an hour of sleep over the weekend it's a fair request.
"Some kind of national napping day would allow the UK workforce to return to their jobs feeling refreshed and ready."
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