French Minister Recommends Creating Nap Spaces at Workplaces to Promote Better Sleep

French Health Minister: "Workplaces Should Provide Nap Spaces"
Short Naps Boost Concentration and Reduce Mistakes and Workplace Accidents

The French Minister of Health has recommended workplace naps as a measure to improve sleep quality.

According to Radio France Info on July 22 (local time), Minister Yannick Neuder announced an inter-ministerial roadmap for "promoting quality sleep," stating, "I am very positive about taking naps, whether at work or at school."

Photo to aid understanding of the article. Pixabay.

Minister Neuder explained that it is very important to guarantee such rest periods for children and that the same applies to companies. He added, "While the Ministry of Health will not provide specific recommendations to employers, it is advisable to create rest areas or quiet spaces where employees can take short naps, as many companies are already voluntarily doing."

He emphasized, "I want to reaffirm that naps are beneficial for the health of the French people." Minister Neuder reported that the sleep quality of the French population has significantly deteriorated due to everyday screen exposure and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Ministry of Health, the average sleep duration of French people has decreased by 1 hour and 30 minutes over the past 50 years, and adults now sleep an average of 7 hours per day.

According to the French National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), a short nap of 15 to 20 minutes increases concentration and reduces the risk of mistakes, workplace accidents, and traffic accidents. One in five French people sleeps less than 6 hours, and it is estimated that 30% of children and 70% of adolescents experience sleep deprivation. The Ministry of Health has determined that lack of sleep causes mental disorders and cardiovascular diseases, and plans to intensify efforts to raise public awareness about sleep.