Commentary: Napping at work can help shift workers stay alert

Sleepiness and fatigue among shift workers pose significant challenges to work performance and safety. A commentary from Duke-NUS Medical School proposes that short, planned naps during work hours can be an effective solution.

Approximately one in ten workers in Singapore engage in night work, a schedule that conflicts with human biology. This often leads to chronic insomnia and excessive sleepiness. Research indicates that night workers find it particularly difficult to stay alert during the later hours of their shift, typically between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.

The commentary suggests that employers should consider facilitating short, self-scheduled naps in the workplace. While many night workers attempt to combat fatigue with caffeine, the only true remedy for reducing biological sleep pressure is sleep. Studies show that brief naps, around 30 minutes long, can significantly improve alertness and reduce errors without causing excessive grogginess afterward.

Successful implementation requires proper timing, usually within the first half of a shift before significant sleepiness sets in. Additionally, a quiet resting environment, such as a dedicated napping room, is necessary. Many professions with extended overnight shifts, including healthcare and emergency services, already recommend such sleep breaks for fatigue management.