Latest news with #Inemuri
NDTV
16-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Inemuri: Can Japan's Nap Culture Actually Boost Your Productivity?
Inemuri meaning 'being present while asleep,' is a unique part of Japanese culture where brief napping in public spaces like on trains, in offices, or even during meetings is socially accepted and often seen as a sign of diligence. Unlike traditional naps, inemuri isn't about escaping from work; it subtly reflects dedication, suggesting that a person has been working so hard, they've earned a moment of rest. By normalising short, mindful rest during the day, inemuri can actually boost cognitive function, creativity, emotional regulation, and overall work performance, making it a surprisingly effective productivity tool in the modern, overworked world. Keep reading as we share a list of ways Inemuri can be beneficial for you. Health benefits of Inemuri 1. Enhances focus and mental clarity Inemuri helps the brain 'reboot.' A 10–20 minute nap can restore concentration, improve attention span, and reduce the cognitive fog that builds up after long periods of work. It allows the brain to enter light sleep, which resets neural activity without causing grogginess. 2. Improves decision-making and problem-solving When mental fatigue sets in, decision-making suffers. Inemuri gives your prefrontal cortex (a key decision-making hub) a break. After even a short nap, studies show increased ability to make thoughtful, less impulsive choices. 3. Boosts memory and learning Brief naps help consolidate short-term memories into long-term storage. Inemuri acts like a 'save button' for your brain, especially after taking in new information, improving recall and the ability to apply knowledge creatively. 4. Reduces workplace stress and burnout Instead of pushing through exhaustion, inemuri acknowledges the need for rest. By taking short naps during high-stress periods, workers can release tension and reduce cortisol levels, helping them return to tasks calmer and more resilient. 5. Supports emotional regulation Sleep-deprived brains overreact to small frustrations. Inemuri restores emotional balance by refreshing brain regions linked to empathy, patience, and social awareness. This can lead to better communication and fewer conflicts at work. 6. Increases productivity without overwork Rather than encouraging longer hours, inemuri allows people to work smarter. Short naps increase output per hour, meaning tasks are completed more efficiently without extending the workday or draining energy reserves. 7. Fosters a healthier relationship with rest Inemuri challenges the toxic belief that rest equals laziness. It creates a culture where rest is respected, not shamed. This shift supports healthier sleep cycles overall and encourages boundaries between intense effort and intentional pause. 8. Encourages cultural acceptance of human limits By making public napping acceptable, inemuri promotes self-awareness and listening to the body's signals. It reflects compassion and realism in work culture, recognising that even the most driven people need downtime. 9. Minimises mistakes and accidents Fatigue is a major cause of workplace errors. Even a 15-minute nap can improve alertness and reduce slip-ups especially in fields where precision matters (like medicine, transportation, or design). 10. Cultivates creativity and insight The semi-lucid state after a short nap is a fertile ground for fresh ideas. Many people report eureka moments or creative breakthroughs post-nap. Inemuri provides mental space where innovative thinking can emerge. Try incorporating Inemuri in your routine today to achieve these benefits. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Inemuri: Japan's cultural nap that boosts productivity
What is Inemuri? Inemuri, meaning 'sleeping while present,' is a Japanese cultural practice of napping in public or at work, seen as a sign of dedication rather than laziness.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Inemuri: Does this Japanese method of napping help boost productivity?
In Japan, the concept of 'Inemuri' has gained attention as a unique practice of napping that may sound unusual to many. The term directly translates to 'sleeping while present' and refers to the act of napping in public or during work hours. Often seen in offices, on trains, or in other public spaces, the Inemuri nap is considered a cultural norm rather than a sign of laziness. This practice has sparked curiosity around whether it offers a solution for those who find themselves sleep-deprived. With many people struggling to get adequate rest, the idea of napping strategically to boost productivity and mental clarity is gaining popularity. But can Inemuri truly help improve energy levels, or is it just a fleeting solution for a bigger sleep problem? Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, tells 'Inemuri naps can offer short-term relief for sleep-deprived individuals by allowing brief moments of rest during active participation in daily routines, such as meetings or public commuting. Unlike traditional naps taken in a private setting, Inemuri emphasises adaptability — individuals remain mentally prepared to re-engage with their surroundings quickly.' Dr Hiremath adds that inemuri usually involves light, non-REM sleep stages, which can improve alertness and cognitive function without inducing sleep inertia (the grogginess experienced after waking from deep sleep). 'A study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that even short periods of light sleep can enhance memory consolidation and focus,' he says. While regular naps aim for deeper restorative benefits, Dr Hiremath notes, Inemuri prioritises practicality, making it less effective for long-term recovery from significant sleep debt. The effectiveness of Inemuri naps largely depends on their duration and timing. 'Research suggests that naps lasting 10–20 minutes are ideal for improving alertness and reducing fatigue without disrupting nighttime sleep. Short naps help rejuvenate the body and mind, providing a quick boost of energy without the risk of feeling groggy afterward,' states Dr Hiremath. However, longer naps, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, risk entering deeper sleep stages, which can lead to sleep inertia. Dr Hiremath states, 'Sleep inertia refers to the groggy, disoriented feeling some people experience after waking from a deep sleep. This can hinder the benefits of napping and make it harder to regain full alertness.' Inemuri's cultural practice allows for varying nap lengths, from just a few minutes to longer periods, depending on the individual's environment and schedule. The practice is quite flexible, allowing people to adjust the duration to suit their needs. However, it is most effective when aligned with the body's natural circadian rhythm, particularly during mid-afternoon energy slumps. Some drawbacks according to Dr Hiremath are: DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
