“inemori”: A Japanese Culture of Sleeping at Work

While sleeping at work may be viewed as a sign of laziness or negligence, Japanese culture offers a different concept known as “inemuri,” which literally means “sleeping while present.” This practice refers to short naps taken by individuals while at work, during meetings, or even while using public transportation, all while remaining ready to resume their tasks and participate when needed. Inemuri is not associated with deep sleep or prolonged relaxation; rather, it typically involves brief naps in a seated posture, giving the impression that the person is still present and attentive to their surroundings.

This phenomenon enjoys social acceptance in Japan, where an employee sleeping at their desk or during a meeting is often seen as a result of exhaustion from long working hours, rather than necessarily indicating a lack of commitment. However, inemuri is also governed by unwritten rules, including maintaining a professional appearance and responding promptly when participation in discussions is required. Additionally, napping may be more acceptable for senior executives and long-tenured employees compared to new hires.

As work environments evolve, some Japanese companies have begun to formalize napping rather than leaving it merely as a social custom, by providing dedicated short-nap rooms and comfortable chairs or seating areas to help employees regain their energy. Research on short naps suggests that sleeping for 15 to 20 minutes during the day can help improve concentration and reduce fatigue, prompting some companies to adopt modern solutions and technologies for napping in the workplace. Thus, inemuri has evolved from a familiar sight in Japanese society into a concept that reflects a different perspective on the relationship between rest and productivity, where short naps do not necessarily imply shirking work, but may instead serve as a means to regain focus and continue tasks efficiently.