A few years ago, I returned to work after having my first child, and found myself taking surreptitious trips to the washrooms. The reason? Back then, as the mother of a teething baby, I was often severely sleep deprived. So, in a desperate attempt to keep my mind alert, I would sometimes sneak into the bathroom stalls, where I would doze for a few minutes on the cold linoleum floor.
It was not a particularly comfortable or dignified place to nap but I felt embarrassed telling my colleagues that I needed sleep and could not find anywhere else discreet. And those secret minutes were surprisingly effective at recharging me – even on the cold floor.
But is it time for us all to rethink those attitudes towards napping – at work, or anywhere else?
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