The world is in a global epidemic of sleep loss, so it would be worthwhile to allow people to take a break from work for a short afternoon nap, a somnologist at Helsinki University Hospital Kirsti Kaleva said.
Every third Friday in March is World Sleep Day. This year it is held on March 15th.
A hard work schedule, a long time on the way to work, an accelerating rhythm of life – all this leads to a decrease in the amount of sleep in the life of each person, scientists are sure.
“We are in the midst of a global sleep-loss epidemic,” RIA Novosti Kalev said.
According to her, loss of sleep can seriously damage the health. “In fact, our health is extremely dependent on the amount of sleep. Sleep also has an impact on productivity, which already forces some companies to reconsider their attitude to rest. Lack of sleep costs most developed countries 2% of their GDP. when lack of sleep, “- convinced somnolog.
Daytime sleep can help improve performance without disturbing night sleep. “Many studies show that sleeping for about 20 minutes in the afternoon has a positive effect on mood and concentration,” Kaleva notes.
Some employers in Finland have already allowed flexible working hours for employees according to their chronotype — an internal clock that programs sleep time and determines whether you are a “lark” or “owl”.
“I generally support sleep in the workplace, even if it simply signals a certain degree of recognition of the importance of sleep by people in leadership positions,” says Kaleva.
According to her, organizational, social and structural changes are needed. She added that she sympathizes with French law, which gives workers the right to disconnect from e-mails during off-hours.
Since 2016, the Law on Employment has entered into force in France, which obliges organizations with more than 50 people to begin negotiations to determine the right of workers to ignore workers’ electronic messages. The measures are designed to solve the so-called “always online” work culture, which has led to a surge in, as a rule, unpaid overtime work and work outside the office. According to the law, companies are obliged to agree with employees on their rights and how they can reduce the invasion of their privacy. If an agreement is not reached, the company must publish a charter that clearly defines the requirements and rights of workers during off hours.
