Super Eco

Photo credit: AssistingSounds.com

Ah, the afternoon catnap, or "siesta." Growing up in Mexico City, siestas were a way of life. The school days were interrupted for children to come home for their big meal and take a nap. Work hours, where possible, were similarly arranged. A recent study has found what so many cultures have long known. Siestas are good for you.

Mexicans have known this for centuries but it wasn't until researchers started studying them that they received an image makeover and were seen as more than a luxury. Now they are "power naps." "The power nap is more sexy, more snappy," said Dr. Jose S. Laredo, who was born in Mexico and now heads the Sleep Medicine Center at University of California San Diego. "The purpose is different. It's not just to have leisure time, it's to recover yourself so you can keep on working. That's why it's looked at in our society, which is go-go-go, as better."

Researchers have found that a siesta can curb irritability, sharpen memory and increase productivity. Studies conducted for the commercial airline industry on pilots showed a substantial boost in performance after short naps in the cockpits (while the other pilots took over, I'm happy to report!). NASA researchers had the same results, as did  Union Pacific Railroad, and anecdotally, many companies have had the same findings. Some offices have "relaxation rooms" with day beds or tents with sleeping bags, eye shades and alarm clocks. Let's face it - a rested brain is a creative brain.

Since I work at home, and in my pajamas a good amount of the time, it should be fairly easy for me to do my part to boost my performance. After all, I do strive to do my best at work. So if my employers are ever looking for me, I can just tell them I'm increasing my productivity so that I can keep working hard for them. Voy a tomar una siesta. Buenas noches!