sleep
(Photo : Unsplash / Sander Sammy)

Taking naps has been proven by experts as an effective way of improving efficiency at work. As such, a Japanese firm has created a sleeping pod that would allow office employees to sleep upright.

Vertical Sleeping Pod

A Japanese firm has constructed a new sleeping pod that allows people to take a power nap vertically. The pod is called "Giraffenap" and is designed for employees to sleep upright.

The pod is designed to look like a phone booth and can support a person's body weight while blocking out any external noise. However, the pod's design has also caused concerns from claustrophobes due to its 8.4 ft by 4 ft design.

Koyoju Plywood Corporation is the company behind the Giraffenap, and it was created in a place that's socially acceptable for people to sleep at their desk, in Hokkaido, Japan. The firm said it was working toward creating a society where napping becomes easier through improved healthcare, which in turn can also improve the business.

While the price of the pod hasn't been revealed, the firm maintains that some people continue to work while struggling to deal with physical fatigue and stress. So far, the company is selling the pod in two different designs.

The first one has a more futuristic take while the second one gives the pod a more rustic feel. On the outside, the pod looks like a storage unit or even a type of indoor patio; but inside, the pod provides four points that allow for the person inside to maintain their posture without force.

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How the Pod Works

The pod gives tucks those inside in a lightning-shaped posture where they bend their knees and slightly bend their torsos. When it comes to their head and arms, the individuals would be able to rest on a cushioned platform, with textures similar to how airplane passengers use a tray table during extended flights.

The company says that the maximum height of those inside is 6.5 feet while the pod can only hold individuals that don't weigh over 220 lbs. The pod also comes with its own safety measures like a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, LED lights, and a ventilation fan.

The pod also blocks out sound, ensuring that people can clear their minds and space. The pod is also expected to be available not just in offices but also in cafes around downtown Tokyo, which would make it more available to commuters.

Healthy Sleep

The recommended period for naps is 20 minutes, with longer periods potentially affecting how a person can fall asleep at night. By sleeping for this short period, the napper would get increased alertness without falling into a deep sleep.

If a person falls into deep sleep, they'd experience increased grogginess which could give them worse sleep. Other studies also suggest that individuals should also take a nap of about an hour and a half.

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