Bosses urged to let workers take an afternoon NAP on Monday to ‘make up for lost hour’ when clocks go forward
Scientists are calling on companies to allow employees to take a nap in the office to make up for lost time over the weekend
BOSSES should let staff take a siesta on Monday in case they become ill due to losing an hour's sleep when clocks go forward tonight, scientists say.
It comes as figures show a quarter of workers get by on just five hours kip a night.
Scientists say this increases the risk of diabetes, heart problems and depression.
Now they are calling on firms to allow employees to take a nap in the office to make up for the time lost over the weekend.
Psychologist Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, who led the research for bed manufacturers Silentnight and the University of Leeds, said the time change could see some workers drop to four hours.
She said: ''The loss of an hour in bed is particularly detrimental to individuals that already struggle with their sleep.
''If you are one of the 25 per cent of the nation that gets less than five hours sleep a night, this time change could see you drop down to as little as four hours, which is a dangerously low amount.
"Bosses should consider allowing staff to take a short nap in the office. It can make a huge difference."
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The doctor, who specialises in sleep therapy, believes "catnaps" can bolster the immune system, repair muscles - and can even be anti-ageing.
She added: "Just a twenty minute power nap can make a huge difference. Naps have been scientifically proven to boost creativity and problem solving ability, and they can even rebalance the immune system, meaning staff are less likely to take sick days.
''Company nap time would definitely work in the boss' favour in the long run.
She said a power nap should be done between 2pm and 4pm - but no later otherwise it might affect sleep later at night.
Dr Ramlakhan added: "Allowing staff to indulge in a nap during the working day might sound unusual, but considering the country will be losing an hour of sleep over the weekend it's a fair request.
"Some kind of national napping day would allow the UK workforce to return to their jobs feeling refreshed and ready."
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