Working Dead? 5 Ways To Sneak a Nap at Work

Lack of sleep is like being drunk on the job. Here are some smart ways to sneak a power nap at work, surreptitiously

Staying awake on the job seems like a simple rule to follow, but it can be a challenge for today’s overworked and under-slept employee (Photo: iStock)

In far, faraway land of Ador, Spain, a three hour siesta, for all office goers, is a mandatory luxury. So from 2pm-5pm the town comes to a halt, children are lugged into sleep and office goers retire to their bed.

But for us in the developing world, there’s no greater risk to our career than sleeping on the job!

It is scientifically proven that a power nap of 30 minutes in the afternoon improves cognition, memory and creativity - but your boss thinks, “snoozers are losers”!

However, if that third cup of coffee ain’t working for you, and job hunt in Spain is not yielding any results, follow The Quint’s Nap Guide #101.

While these ways aren’t foolproof methods to disguise your drowsy state, maybe your boss will be so impressed with your creativity that they’ll just let you get away with it.

The Manoj Kumar Pose

Lie on the couch or sit back on your chair, pinch right between your eyes, and pretend to be deep in thought.

Emotion: “I’m so tired I already want to take a nap tomorrow.”  Projection: “Dude, that’s deep. Let me think over it for like 15 minutes” (Photo: The Quint)

You can also do the pinch in a meeting but only in a serious meeting when they’re talking about really serious stuff. Because it’s kind of a dire pose.

The Reach

The Quint’s dedicated employee Shubhra, has dropped her book. You can use your pen or bottle, or whatever it is that allows you to lean on your desk with one hand and reach towards the object. Fir kya? Sleeeeeep

Emotion: “I’m tired of this day, I need a new one!” Projection: “I am not sleeping, just trying REAL hard to reach for that book” (Photo: The Quint)

(Photo: The Quint)

If you get caught, raise your head slowly and say, “In Jesus’ name, I pray.”

Wear a Disguise

Emotion: “Dear sleep, I didn’t like you when I was young, but I love you now.” Projection: “Too cool to care, boss!” (Photo: The Quint)

Okay, our producer Mohit, is using a very fake mask. You can buy a more natural looking, stylistic one, but it will work only if your boss just glances at you from a distance. Risky but when you gotta sleep, you gotta sleep.

Make Noise

If you’re not in the line of sight of your boss, don’t think he or she is not listening to make sure you’re working!

Well, there’s an app for that.

iNap@work is an iPhone app that plays work sounds while you sleep: typing, mouse clicking, throat clearing, paper shuffling, all the usual stuff that goes in in productive office environments.

Get smart. Here’s technology to your rescue (Photo: iNap@Work Screenshot)

The mix and frequency of the sounds are adjustable, so your supervisor won’t notice the exact same sequence coming from every workstation when someone is napping.

Use the Loo

Embarrassing to come down with a case of loosies after lunch, but fake it? Spend some time on the pot getting a shut eye while everyone else pities you.

Sleep time in the bathroom is no one’s fantasy, but sometimes you have to make due with what you’ve got. What you’ve got is a private stall and a porcelain bed. Make use of it.

Emotion: “Live, laugh, poop.” Projection: “I feel like I should go back to work but I shall sleep here till the feeling passes” (Photo: The Quint)

Disclaimer: Being tired is better than being broke, incase you’re fired for napping at the job!