New research suggests the afternoon nap is no longer just for the over 60s, or people from Spain – as half of Brits of all ages, now take one “most days.”
The survey found a staggering nine in ten (90%) Brits say they lack energy, with half (47%) admitting that they end up napping as a result.
In fact, as a nation, we take an average of four naps in a working week, lasting 53 minutes each on average.
2pm emerged as the time the nation is most likely to have a snooze, while over half (54%) of working Brits agree that hybrid life has helped them get their head down more easily.
Overall, 55% of home workers admit they jump back into bed during the working day for a nap.
The Great British Siesta
Sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan reveals that the post-lunch slump can be linked to a comedown from a glucose spike. “Our energy levels are impacted by what we eat and when we eat it. It’s the process of our metabolism – and as your body breaks down food for energy, one of the nutrients that’s absorbed is glucose.
The research by metabolism app Lingo, also shows a third (30%) of Brits regularly fall asleep on the train, while 24% drop off on the bus and in the cinema.
While 20% say they have fallen asleep in the bath and EVEN at their desk (18%).
Two thirds (66%) say that having forty winks is a highlight of their day, with a snuggly and soft blanket (48%), no one else around (42%) and a warm room temperature (42%) are the ingredients for a perfect snooze.
More than one third want the curtains closed (37%) and a comfy sofa (34%), while one in three (31%) can’t doze without a proper pillow or sleeping in their own bed (26%).
Three quarters (76%) of 30 to 44-year-olds say that taking a nap is the best time of their day, compared to just 41% of over 60s.
Ten Ingredients for a Perfect Nap
- A soft blanket – 48%
- No-one else in the room – 42%
- Perfect room temperature – 42%
- Closed curtains – 37%
- Comfy sofa – 34%
- Proper pillow – 31%
- Proper bed – 26%
- Phone turned to silent – 23%
- Windows shut – 20%
- A timer on so you don’t oversleep – 18%
Do You take an Afternoon Nap?
Do you take an afternoon nap on a workday or on your day off? I don’t do that personally but that’s because I’m always busy with one task or another. It does seem like an appealing option for some days, but since I work shifts that start around 4pm in the afternoon, I’m not sure it would benefit me as I would be left feeling groggy. Plus, I would feel mean taking a nap while my children are in school! Share your opinions or experiences in the comments.
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Note: Research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Lingo and was conducted by Perspectus Global in November 2023. This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
SpookyMrsGreen 
Everyone should if you ask me. In North America (especially the US) we are so exhausted that we have to drink multiple cups of coffee and freaking energy drinks just to stay up with all of the insane tasks and requirements that bosses give to their workers.
Yes I agree! So many people I know (including my husband) come home from work every evening and fall asleep on the sofa without even making it to bed.
Same here. It’s also why I tell my family to go shower before they sit down. Not only to lesson the chances of germs (COVID is starting to spike in America again) but also because of all the negative energy one acquired during the day. Even just by accident. You don’t know what someone could be releasing behind them even when they walk. I have had the bad experience of absorbing others negativity for being too close to them. Like my sister for example.