Effect of a 2‑Hour On‑Shift Nap vs 30‑Minute or No‑Nap on Post‑Night‑Shift Performance
Summary
A 2‑hour nap opportunity yielded better alertness and mood immediately after 12‑hour night shifts than a 30‑min or no‑nap condition.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
A crossover RCT how brief, scheduled on‑shift naps (timing/length) found sleep & alertness and mental health for night‑shift workers and night owls. Findings add structure to the idea that the circadian low can be managed by how rest is divided and timed on duty. For people who work nights, that frames an everyday choice (when you eat, how you light the end of a shift, how rest is split) as part of the mechanism, not just routine.
Notes
Focus on recovery immediately post‑shift.