UK NEWS

BRITAIN SAYS 'SI' TO SIESTA TIME AT WORK

Could we all do with a siesta?

Thursday June 7,2007

By Emma Bamford

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WINSTON Churchill enjoyed it. So did Leonardo Da Vinci. Margaret Thatcher just loved it.

And, according to a survey, millions of Britons would like a bit of the same – the European-style afternoon siesta.

Sixty-eight per cent believe that taking 40 winks during the working day would be good for the mind and body and 46 per cent say their day would be more productive.

Almost a quarter want to go the whole hog, with shops shutting during the national shut-eye if the siesta becomes part of our way of life.

Forty-five per cent of the 4,352 surveyed say employers should provide rest areas for workers, with 43 per cent admitting they would definitely make use of such a facility.

More than a third are so keen on a siesta, they would start work earlier and take shorter lunch breaks to make up for siesta time. The survey was by the Travelodge hotel chain, which yesterday installed hammocks at its head office in Thame, Oxfordshire.

It is considering a “siesta service” at some of its hotels and may expand the scheme nationwide.

Travelodge “Director of Sleep” Wayne Munnelly said: “We are always looking at innovative ways to increase our nation’s daily quota of sleep and these revealing findings give us a great insight into areas worthy of further investigation. Individuals should build in a few minutes ‘downtime’ each day to recharge their batteries, whatever your profession, and employers should take note of today’s encouraging results.”

Professor Jim Horne, of the sleep research centre at Loughborough University, said: “A nap is nature’s way of overcoming that afternoon dip in energy levels when we find it difficult to concentrate and think clearly, leading to mistakes.

“A short nap, or siesta, will restore alertness and improve productivity for the rest of the afternoon.”

Thame Tory MP Boris Johnson said: “The hammock initiative at Travelodge HQ is a very good idea. Now I know where to grab a quick siesta in my constituency.”

The hotel firm’s tips for a successful siesta include: Find a quiet spot and lie as flat as possible. If you have stopped in your car for a nap, remember to recline the car seat as far back as it will go – and remember, too, to switch off your mobile.

What do YOU think? Is an afternoon siesta a good idea or are we just a nation of skivers? Comment NOW on Have Your Say.