This is what you need to know about taking a siesta at work (2024)

The warm weather tires people out quickly and many of us are

.

Some countries have long enough lunch breaks to take a nap or even allow siestas, so can you simply say you need a nap?

These are the rules

There is no law on whether you can sleep at work in the UK, but there are rules and rights regarding rest and breaks for workers.

Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) says a worker has the right to at least 20 minutes break if they work longer than six hours but companies often allow for longer or more frequent breaks.

Additionally, a worker has the right to 11 consecutive hours' rest in any 24-hour period as well as one day off each week or two consecutive days every fortnight.

When, where and for how long to sleep

For a nap to be effective, it is crucial you follow certain rules.

People often think a nap is about going to sleep and sleeping until we wake up, but then often find ourselves more tired than we were (and awake at night).

So find a quiet spot where you won't be disturbed.

If you know you will be napping, you can bring an eye mask to cut out the light.

Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a sleep scientist at the University of Leeds, told the Mirror power naps should be taken between 2 and 4pm. Any later than 4pm and it might affect your night time sleep.

You should allow around half an hour for your nap.

That covers the 20 minutes for your siesta as well as the 10 minutes you should allow yourself to wake up again and be ready to work.

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