They already enjoy Europe’s shortest working week. Now French workers are to be encouraged to have a nap after lunch.
The state-backed siesta is part of a €7 million campaign to encourage the French to sleep more and better. A third of the population does not sleep enough, experts say.
Tiredness is blamed for 20 per cent of road and domestic accidents, and for low efficiency at work and school, obesity, depression and many other ills.
The after-lunch nap is to be introduced by volunteer companies and studied for results, and will be limited to 15 minutes.
To educate tired workers, the Health Ministry has put a “sleep passport” online. The site carries a quick test to determine whether citizens are suffering from a lack of rest.
By raising awareness over sleep, the Government hopes that French workers, who are among the world’s most productive during their hours on the job, will become even more efficient.
