Which of the following provides greater value:

1. 4 hours of unproductive work
2. 3.5 hours of productive work

If you are like most people you would choose the second option, 3.5 hours of productive work.

To be productive you need to get enough sleep. But how do you sleep if youre at work? Most work places do not provide the facilities to take a nap. After lunch naps have been stigmatized as a sign of laziness in a business world where laziness is a sign of weakness and energy is a sign of strength. Catching an employee sleeping is normally a cause for immediate dismissal.

But, recent scientific studies have shown that we tend to feel sleepy between the hours of 2 pm and 4 pm and that a 15 to 30 minute "power nap" can increase our energy, alertness, and productivity. So instead of having a cup of coffee when you feel fatigued after lunch, a short nap instead would do wonders.

For employers, providing facilities for afternoon naps or "mini siestas" will increase your employees' productivity, make them healthier, more alert, and happier. It is a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Lack of sleep is a major problem in today's society. The health risks are extensive. Among other things, lack of sleep increases stress; stress can increase blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, eczema, psoriasis, and can cause sexual problems. An unhealthy employee is a bad employee.

So, if you are a manager or business leader what do you do? Provide napping facilities for your employees and watch your company's productivity soar. Forget about the coffee machines; provide a few beds. Dont be afraid of change. Do whats right. You might lose 20 minutes of actual work time but the after nap time will be so much more productive that you won't even notice.

4 hours of work time left after lunch. Take a 15 to 30 minute nap and the remaining 3.5 hours will be more productive.