Half of US remote employees nap during work, survey finds

Nearly half of remote employees in the US were found to be taking naps during work hours, according to a survey conducted by Amerisleep in July 2025.

The survey was completed by 1,002 remote and hybrid workers across the United States. The results showed that 48% of the participants took daytime naps while on the clock. 

An average of 1.3 hours per week was reportedly spent asleep among those who reported napping, which is equivalent to approximately nine full workdays each year.

Among employees who reported napping during the workday, 53% held managerial roles, while the remaining 48% were in non-managerial positions.

The highest rate of napping was recorded among Gen Z respondents (58%), followed by millennials (51%) and Gen X workers (39%).

Midday naps were most commonly taken in bed (51%), though the couch (32%) and desk chairs (10%) were also noted as preferred locations by the survey respondents.

Employed Prepared to Sacrifice Perks in Exchange for Naps

The survey also highlighted efforts to conceal the naps, a practice that raised concerns about professionalism during work hours.  

58% of the survey respondents indicated that their napping was hidden from their managers, and 1 in 5 reported that fake meetings were added to calendars to cover for the time spent on napping.

Despite such efforts, 1 in 10 admitted to having been caught. 

Willingness to trade these nap hours with other benefits was also expressed. 12% of the respondents said that they would sacrifice their paid time off for the freedom to nap, while 9% reported that they would give up a four-day workweek. 

Employee Well-being and Behavior Patterns 

In an unexpected manner, poorer mental well-being was reported among those who nap during work hours compared to those who did not, but higher stress levels were also observed.

Poor work ethic was also observed more frequently among remote workers who nap. 

Excessive social media use was reported by 56% of nappers, compared to 38% of non-nappers. Bed-rotting, remaining in bed without sleeping or being productive, was experienced by 52% of nappers and 29% of non-nappers.

Falling behind on work deadlines was reported by 34% of those who nap, versus 23% of those who did not.

Leadership Attitudes Toward Napping 

Most managers (73%) were found to say that rest during work hours was acceptable as long as deadlines were met.

A more proactive stance was taken by 1 in 6 leaders, who reported actively encouraging their teams to nap during the workday. Leaders in the marketing sector stood out, with 31% of them endorsing nap culture. 

Attitudes toward napping varied by sector, for instance, 60% of leaders in government roles considered it unprofessional.

Industries where napping was most common included marketing and finance (both at 59%), followed by hospitality and food service (54%), education (53%), and retail or e-commerce (51%).

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