Yes, Nurses Can Take Naps on Their Break – Here’s How

Naps are known to be restorative for anyone who takes them, but this proves to be true for nurses. A 2021 study reports that nurses who took short naps during their 12-hour shifts produced better quality care, had less fatigue, and felt more energized.

Although many nurses work 12-hour shifts, extended work hours can lead to excessive drowsiness, increased patient errors, and occupational injuries for those who may be more suited to a daytime schedule instead.

Knowing when to take naps during work can be difficult, depending on a nurse’s workplace policies and personal work style. However, for those who want to try, there are ways to do so without oversleeping.

How Do Workplaces Feel About Naps During Breaks?

Many workplaces have different views on when and how nurses can sleep during their breaks or if they can nap at all.

Chris McDermott, MSN, APRN-IP, a certified life care planner at Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning, says that some hospitals and healthcare facilities acknowledge the benefits of short power naps for those working long or night shifts and may have designated rest areas or nap rooms to accommodate them. However, more traditional workplaces may view naps as something other than beneficial.

“Workplaces might discourage or even prohibit napping over concerns related to professionalism, the potential for longer-than-intended naps, or the fear of impaired performance post-nap,” says McDermott.

These fears are valid since ER wards and other critical care units require alertness at all times. Nancy Mitchell, RN, a contributing writer for the Assisted Living Center, mentions that some workplaces avoid naps because of the fear that nurses won’t be able to control their sleep.

How Can Nurses with Long Shifts Take Naps?

If you can take naps off-duty, McDermott suggests the following strategies for quick rest:

Plan Ahead: Know the length of your break and set an alarm to ensure you wake up in time to resume your duties on your floor.
Find a Quiet Spot: This could be a designated nap room, an unused office, or a break room. Make sure it’s a safe and relatively quiet place.
Make Yourself Comfortable: Bring items like an eye mask, earplugs, or a small pillow to help you relax faster. You can also play white noise or calming music using earbuds.

It’s helpful to note that power naps up to 20 or 30 minutes are shown to be more effective in getting the energy you need to continue your shift without grogginess.

For slow shifts, consider napping tag team style with another nurse, with one nurse taking their turn to rest while the other is working. According to Mitchell, this is one of the most practical techniques you can take since you’ll have someone to keep you accountable and ensure you wake up on time. Plus, it encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Napping as an Effective Strategy

Taking naps during work is an underrated strategy that should be used more to improve nurses’ mood and quality of care. Nurse managers and hospital administrators should consider adopting power naps into nurses’ scheduled breaks so that patients and nurses can get the best experience in healthcare.

“The bottom line is that not everyone gets the chance to sleep 7 to 9 hours when they’re back home during the day,” says Mitchell. “The brief opportunities to sleep in during our shifts can make a world of difference in our energy levels and focus during those late hours.”

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Karie Pinnix

Karie Pinnix is a public relations strategist and freelance journalist with experience writing content for print and broadcast platforms and creating branding development with start-up companies. She’s written about topics like college nightlife, community organizations in Mississippi, and the nurse shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring nature, catching up on reading, or traveling to the nearest beach.