💡 Key takeaway:
According to a recent study by researchers at the University of Hamburg, the first phase of the sleep cycle is especially conducive to creativity and those famous “Eureka” moments. The good news? This is exactly the phase targeted by 10 to 20-minute power naps. By incorporating power naps into daily routines, companies can enhance both employee well-being and cognitive performance. A simple, quick, and scientifically validated solution to spark innovation in the workplace.
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We’ve all experienced it — that moment when a brilliant idea pops into your head just as you’re dozing off or half-asleep. But did you know this phenomenon, often called the “Eureka moment,” is now backed by science? A recent study conducted by the University of Hamburg and reported by Sciences et Avenir confirms that these flashes of genius often occur during a very specific phase of sleep: the transition between wakefulness and light sleep, known as N1.
1. What does science say? The first phase of the sleep cycle: a source of brilliant ideas
The study reveals that the N1 phase is a state of limbo between wakefulness and deep sleep. During this phase, the brain remains active but gradually disconnects from external stimuli. It’s precisely at this moment that unusual connections between ideas can emerge.
Researchers found that creative problem-solving abilities increased by 83% in people who briefly entered this state. In other words, a short nap can quite literally boost your capacity to innovate.
This phenomenon is not new — and some geniuses had already figured it out. Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, often took short naps while holding metal objects in his hands. As he drifted off and dropped them, the sound would wake him just in time to capture the ideas that surfaced in that peculiar state. An intuitive technique that science now confirms.
2. Power naps: a powerful tool to unlock collective intelligence
3. Rethinking breaks at work : a challgenge for quality of work life and innovation
At a time when mental exhaustion and turnover are rising in many companies, providing effective breaks is much more than just a comfort — it’s a strategy for the future. Integrating power naps into your HR policy means promoting quality of work life in several ways:
In the workplace, a 10 to 20-minute power nap is not only restorative but also regenerative. It can increase concentration by up to 34%, according to a NASA study on pilots and air traffic controllers. Beyond boosting creativity, it also improves decision-making thanks to enhanced mental clarity.
Prioritize the mental well-being of your teams
Sleep disorders are now the second leading cause of medical consultations in France, an alarming figure that reflects the direct impact of rest deprivation on both mental and physical health. In the workplace, enabling teams to recharge during the day becomes a crucial lever to prevent stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Offering short but truly restorative breaks, such as power naps, helps reduce mental fatigue, better manage emotional load, and maintain a sustainable balance in work rhythms.
💡 A concrete example:
In an open-plan or flex-office environment, install one or two power nap pods accessible through a simple booking system. This allows employees to recharge their batteries after a demanding meeting or to refocus before a task that requires concentration or creativity.
Fostering internal innovation
The N1 phase of sleep — reached during a 10 to 20-minute power nap — promotes the emergence of new ideas and problem-solving. By enabling these restorative breaks, you foster creative thinking, cognitive agility, and the ability to think outside the box — all key qualities in a constantly evolving work environment.
Power napping also encourages a management culture that values listening to the body, taking a step back, and ultimately making more relevant and agile decisions.
Equip your offices with a concrete solution that promotes relaxation and cognitive rest
Installing a power nap pod in your workplace sends a strong message: that your company is truly committed to employee well-being. It’s also a powerful differentiator to attract and retain talent, strengthen your employer brand, and meet the growing expectations around CSR and quality of work life.
Going further: concrete actions to implement within your company
Include power naps in your QWL (Quality of Work Life) charter or onboarding rituals
Train managers in a culture of active disconnection
Provide a dedicated nap space — either mobile or fixed (such as Nap&Up pods)
Combine nap time with audio content focused on relaxation, breathing, or sophrology to maximize the benefits
Nap&Up pods: your employees’ partner for Eureka moments
We don’t just create rest spaces — we create the ideal conditions to unlock your employees’ cognitive potential. With our pods and guided power nap app, every break becomes a moment of inspiration — a fertile ground for fresh ideas.
🔍 Key takeaway:
Science proves it — your best ideas might be sleeping just behind your closed eyelids. By promoting access to power naps in the workplace, you’re not only investing in your teams’ well-being but also in their ability to innovate, solve complex problems, and think differently. Offering a few minutes of rest is opening the door to untapped creative potential.
So, what if the next big idea was born… in a Nap&Up pod?
