Redefining Rest: The Rise of Standing Naps in the Workplace

In many offices in Taiwan, a tradition of turning off the lights during lunch breaks paves the way for a brief respite from work. But can a short nap sprawled on a desk truly recharge one’s energy? Recent collaborative research between Taiwanese and Japanese institutions suggests that a swift stand-up nap could be the antidote to afternoon fatigue.

Last month, the Nescafé flagship store in Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku introduced the ‘giraffenap’ — a nap pod designed for standing sleepers. Roughly the size of a small telephone booth, these resting chambers aim to offer more than just a space-saving solution. As humans sleep standing, their bodies remain in a state of light sleep due to the gravitational pull, making it difficult to slip into deep sleep cycles. Consequently, individuals can rejuvenate efficiently without the grogginess often associated with more prolonged rests.

This intriguing solution stems from a 2019 memorandum between Hokkaido University and Taiwan’s Medical Institutes, where tests showed the benefits of achieving ‘Stage 2’ sleep (a light form of sleep) while standing. When this sleep phase extends beyond 30 minutes, individuals feel genuinely refreshed, ready to dive back into tasks without the usual post-nap lethargy.