Study Finds Nurses Benefit from Taking Naps

A new study shows that naps should be encouraged for nurses who work long shifts. The study found that without naps, the demands of patient care places the nurses at risk for sleep deprivation, which in turn can threaten their own health and safety, and the safety of their patients.

“When nurses got a nap during their break times, most felt very refreshed and had more energy,” reported Diana McMillan, Ph.D., RN, co-lead investigator of the study. “Those who wanted a nap but couldn’t take one reported foggy thinking and more uncertainty about calculations and decisions that they were making.”

Another important aspect of the study indicated how important rest is for the nurses themselves, even after their shift. Those who nap are reported to be more alert when driving home, while some who didn’t get enough rest sometimes find themselves falling asleep behind the wheel. For more on this article, click here.

Do you guys agree with the study? With a heavy workload and schedule, should nurses make the extra effort to sneak in a little nap time?