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Could Napping at Work Boost Productivity? Experts Weigh In

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Napping during the workday is a cultural norm in some parts of the world, but could it also become a game-changer for workplace productivity and well-being? Sleep experts and researchers are weighing the potential benefits of daytime naps, highlighting their role in improving focus, memory, and overall health.

Across the globe, people find creative ways to catch some rest—whether it’s napping in cars before the school run, using nap pods in busy cities, or taking short breaks while working remotely. In countries like Spain and Italy, the midday siesta has long been part of daily life, while in China and Japan, workplace napping is encouraged as a sign of dedication. But as more research emerges, the idea of incorporating structured nap times into work culture is gaining traction worldwide.

The Science Behind the Power Nap

Research suggests that short naps can significantly boost cognitive performance. James Rowley, program director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, explains that sleep is as crucial to health as diet and exercise. However, modern distractions—particularly smartphones—often interfere with healthy sleep patterns.

“A lot of people don’t get enough sleep because of electronics,” Rowley said. “People take their phones to bed, watch content, and don’t get the rest they need.”

A 2021 study found that young adults who used their phones before bedtime were more likely to experience sleep disturbances. This chronic sleep deprivation often leads individuals to rely on daytime naps for recovery.

Rowley emphasizes that the key to effective napping is duration. “Most people don’t realize that naps should be in the 15- to 20-minute range,” he said. “Anything longer can lead to sleep inertia, making it harder to wake up and leaving you groggy.”

Experts suggest that those who frequently rely on naps should also examine their nighttime sleep habits to ensure they are getting sufficient rest.

When and How to Nap for Maximum Benefits

According to Michael Chee, director of the Centre for Sleep and Cognition at the National University of Singapore, the best time to nap is mid-afternoon, as this aligns with a natural dip in the body’s circadian rhythm.

“Napping after 6 p.m. may interfere with nighttime sleep, especially for those who work traditional hours,” Chee explained.

Research fellow Ruth Leong agrees, noting that while any nap can provide some benefits, those longer than two hours can disrupt regular sleep cycles. “The optimal nap length is around 30 minutes, balancing practicality and cognitive benefits,” she said.

Experts recommend setting an alarm for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing time to fall asleep while avoiding excessive drowsiness afterward.

Creating Space for Workplace Naps

Despite the benefits, workplace napping remains a challenge in many industries, particularly healthcare. Nurses and emergency responders often work long shifts, but finding time—and a place—to rest is difficult.

“Nurses regularly struggle to have sufficient time to even use the bathroom or get fresh air, let alone take a nap,” said a spokesperson for the National Nurses United union. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages naps for night-shift nurses, hospital environments often do not accommodate this need.

Some businesses are addressing the issue by offering dedicated nap spaces. In New York, entrepreneur Neil Wong founded Nap York, a company that provides sleeping pods in Manhattan and Queens. Inspired by his mother, a nurse, Wong’s business caters to exhausted professionals, including super-commuters, delivery drivers, and doctors.

“In our society, there are really only two places to sleep: your bed at home or a hotel room that costs over $100 a night,” Wong said. “There’s no third space that’s quiet, private, and affordable for people who need rest.”

At Nap York, pods can be rented for about $27 an hour, with discounts available for essential workers, including police officers, firefighters, and medical personnel.

As workplace culture continues to evolve, the discussion around napping is shifting from stigma to science. With mounting evidence supporting the cognitive and health benefits of short naps, the question remains—could structured napping become the next big workplace trend?

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Climate Change Poses Growing Threat to Blood Supply and Demand, Australian Study Warns

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Climate change is poised to significantly disrupt both the supply and demand of blood for transfusions, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Red Cross Lifeblood and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). Published in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study outlines how increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, and the spread of infectious diseases could upend the current blood donation system.

The research highlights a dual threat: a shrinking pool of eligible blood donors due to health impacts and climate-induced disruptions, coupled with a rising demand for blood in disaster and disease-stricken areas.

“Climate change may impact some infectious diseases that can be transmitted via blood and can prevent people from donating,” said Dr. Elvina Viennet, one of the study’s co-authors. She emphasized that blood-borne illnesses such as Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus, and Malaria—driven by rising temperatures and increased rainfall—are becoming more prevalent in regions like Europe, affecting donor eligibility.

Currently, an estimated 25 million blood units are transfused each year across Europe. Blood is essential for a wide range of medical treatments, including surgeries, trauma care, managing chronic conditions, and supporting premature infants. However, disruptions in donor availability or blood storage due to climate extremes could pose serious risks.

“Extreme weather events can limit the mobility of people, disrupt transportation networks, and compromise blood storage conditions,” Viennet added. “This is particularly concerning because blood has a short shelf life and requires carefully regulated conditions.”

Helen Faddy, associate professor at UniSC and the study’s lead author, noted that climate-related health issues may further limit the pool of potential donors. “We could see new diseases emerge, and other health challenges such as blood pressure changes, dehydration from heatwaves, and psychological distress linked to climate anxiety that may affect individuals’ ability to donate,” she said.

Moreover, the study warns that the need for blood transfusions could also increase. Factors such as pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, and the rising incidence of sickle cell disease—conditions potentially exacerbated by climate change—may drive higher demand.

To mitigate these risks, the researchers propose several strategies, including the development of flexible and mobile blood collection centers, the use of cell salvage or autotransfusion techniques, and enhanced international collaboration to ensure a resilient and diverse blood supply.

“With rising sea levels and climate-related displacement likely to increase global migration, it’s vital to boost blood donation from a wider range of ethnic backgrounds,” Faddy stressed. “Encouraging more people to donate blood is a public health priority as climate impacts grow.”

The study serves as a call to action for health authorities worldwide to adapt blood donation systems in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

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EU Sees Record Surge in Harmful Consumer Products in 2024, Chemicals at Core of Concerns

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A record number of potentially dangerous consumer products were flagged across the European Union in 2024, with toxic chemicals emerging as a significant concern, according to a new report by the European Commission.

The findings, released through the EU’s Safety Gate Rapid Alert System, recorded over 4,100 alerts last year — the highest number reported in two decades. The system, which tracks threats in consumer and professional goods, excludes food and pharmaceuticals but covers a wide range of products, from cosmetics and clothing to toys and electronics.

The report identified several hazardous substances, including banned fragrances, heavy metals, and so-called “forever chemicals” that remain in the environment and the human body for extended periods. These substances pose serious health risks ranging from skin irritation and reproductive damage to long-term cognitive effects in children.

Banned Fragrance in Cosmetics

One of the most commonly detected substances was a synthetic fragrance known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), also listed as butylphenyl methylpropional. This chemical, which emits a floral scent similar to lily of the valley, was found in nearly all cosmetics reported for chemical risk.

BMHCA has been banned in EU cosmetics since March 2022 due to evidence linking it to skin irritation, fertility issues, and potential harm to unborn children. Despite the ban, it continues to appear in perfumes, deodorants, lotions, and hair products, raising concerns about enforcement and product safety.

Dangerous ‘Forever Chemicals’

The report also highlighted the presence of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in items like cables and rubber-based products. SCCPs fall under the category of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—often dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their extreme resistance to environmental breakdown.

Although the import and use of SCCPs are heavily regulated in the EU, these substances were still detected in several products. Research indicates that SCCPs can damage the liver and kidneys, disrupt hormones, and affect child development. The report also warned of their toxicity to aquatic life and potential to accumulate in the food chain.

Lead Exposure Remains a Risk

Another alarming discovery was the toxic metal lead in solders used for bonding metal parts. Even minimal exposure to lead is considered unsafe, with the World Health Organization noting that it can damage the brain, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Lead is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, with links to developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD.

An estimated 2.5 million children and adolescents in Western Europe have blood lead levels at or above five micrograms per decilitre — a threshold associated with multiple health issues.

Growing Health and Environmental Concerns

The European Commission’s report underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and increased consumer awareness. It also calls on manufacturers and importers to prioritize non-toxic materials and improve product traceability to ensure compliance with EU safety standards.

As concerns about chemical exposure and environmental toxicity grow, the report highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect public health and the environment from harmful consumer products.

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Experts Warn Against Viral TikTok Weight Loss Trends

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Misleading weight loss trends are taking social media by storm, with millions of TikTok users sharing and trying out DIY hacks that promise rapid results without leaving home. However, health experts are raising concerns about their effectiveness and potential harm.

Among the most popular weight loss fads currently trending on TikTok are the castor oil belly rub and the coffee with lemon drink. These viral methods have racked up tens of thousands of likes and views, but health professionals caution that their benefits are overstated—and in some cases, entirely fictional.

The castor oil trend involves rubbing the oil, derived from castor beans, onto the stomach with claims that it can flatten the belly within weeks. A single TikTok post promoting this method has garnered over 49,000 likes.

However, Priya Tew, a specialist dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, dismissed the claims. “There is no proof that applying castor oil can affect your internal fat or aid in weight loss,” she said. “It’s essentially just moisturizing your skin.”

Dr. Adam Collins, Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey, agreed. “There’s no metabolic reason for castor oil to impact visceral fat. These claims are simply not based on science.”

Another enduring trend is adding lemon to coffee, which surged in popularity in 2024 and remains widely shared in 2025. Supporters suggest the mixture boosts metabolism and fat burning due to caffeine’s natural stimulant effects.

But experts say that while caffeine can slightly increase metabolism, the impact is minimal. “It’s not like you’ll suddenly burn hundreds more calories,” said Dr. Collins. “And high doses of caffeine can lead to other health issues.”

Dr. Christophe Matthys, professor of Human Nutrition at KU Leuven, warned of additional risks. “Overconsumption of caffeine can affect sleep and disrupt hunger cues, leading to overeating,” he explained. “That can actually work against weight loss goals.”

Beyond physical health, experts are also worried about the psychological toll these trends may have, especially on younger audiences. “People can develop distorted relationships with food,” said Matthys. “These ideas often aren’t based on any scientific understanding but can leave lasting mental effects.”

Tew emphasized that sustainable weight loss comes from consistent, manageable changes—not viral shortcuts. “Adding a portion of fruit, snacking on nuts instead of crisps—these are the kinds of small changes that make a long-term difference,” she said.

Importantly, she also stressed that weight isn’t the only—or best—indicator of health. “We can be healthy in all shapes and sizes. Being in a larger body doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unhealthy or need to lose weight,” she added.

As TikTok continues to shape wellness conversations, experts urge users to be critical of trends and to seek evidence-based advice when it comes to their health.

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