We all know about the ‘dead period’ after lunch, and it is the curse of those who try to be innovative, productive or just listen to talks in the afternoon. It is difficult to stay awake after lunch: our bodies demand a rest. From an animal point of view this is not unusual. Midday is when kangaroos lie in the shade of trees, when cows settle down to ruminate, predators rest from hunting, birds roost, and pet dogs and cats are least active. This is a time for renewal, for recovery after muscular activity and refreshment of brain function. We, and all other animals, need to nap.

For a variety of reasons, napping for 40-60 minutes in the middle of the day, is regarded as a sign of weakness. Perhaps it’s expected or OK for senior citizens (a ‘Nana nap’), but not for working people. Capitalism demands its pound of flesh – eight hours daily of productivity and a nap is seen as slacking off. But there is plenty of evidence to show that the period immediately after lunch is the least productive during the working day. Which from our animal point of view is not surprising: it is the time when we have evolved to rest and recover.

Southern European cultures have long accepted the inevitable, and siesta time is still part of the working day, but the pressure is on to change to a Northern European or American timetable. I doubt there will be a consequential increase in productivity, only in stress. If you have the opportunity because of being self-employed, or can persuade the boss to allow you slip away from the computer or workbench for a period, you will find that a 40-minute nap will result in sharper and more effective thinking, and an increase in energy which will last until its time to go home.

As a retired person, I hope you youngsters consider my advice, but we’ll talk about it again later…after my nap.