How to Look Awake While Sleeping at Work

If you're gripped by the overwhelming urge to power nap at work, you know that sleeping on the job can be risky to the point that it can cost you your job. To get away with dozing while you're on the clock, you need to be subtle about it.

Instructions

1. Position yourself away from the general area. When you are facing away from the crowd, close your eyes and grab some z's.

2. Lean on one hand. Propping your head up allows you to go limp but still look as if you're sitting up. Use bells or other signals to wake you. In a retail environment, door bells or buzzers alert the staff that a customer has arrived. In an office, workers might use MS Outlook alarms or other software sounds to periodically wake up from a light doze.

3. Sit in the shadows. During interminably long conference meetings, workers like to sack out in those comfy chairs that meeting rooms usually contain. Look for the chair that rests in shadowed, darkened areas of the room. Then, when the lights go down, safely tip back in your seat for a nap.

4. Take a 15-minute break. If you really feel you need to close your eyes for a few minutes, do it on break time and not in the company break room. Find a quiet, remote place to take a few moments off, then come back refreshed and bright-eyed for the rest of the morning or afternoon.

Tips & Warnings

• Besides some obvious ethical concerns, falling asleep at many jobs can be dangerous. If you absolutely need a few winks, don't so it while you're near machinery or in a situation where your alertness affects people or equipment. A break is better than falling asleep at your station.