US President Donald Trump has reportedly fallen asleep 26 times during his second term, earning him the nickname 'Sleepy Don' — a reversal of the label he once gave his predecessor Joe Biden. His naps have occurred at events including Pope Francis' funeral, a visit to Saudi Arabia, a cabinet meeting, Memorial Day, and the World Cup Final.
While Trump's dozing has drawn sniggers, in other circles sleeping on the job is becoming a badge of honour. Elon Musk is known for sleeping in his offices, including at X headquarters after purchasing the social media site. He was investigated by San Francisco authorities after converting office space into bedrooms for workers, emailing staff that they would 'need to be extremely hardcore' to stay at the company.
Hustle culture and the 'badge of honour'
Nico Laqua, co-founder of AI-native insurance startup Corgi, has had his workplace described as having 'the most intense workplace culture in America'. He keeps a mattress on the floor of his office and sleeps just three hours a night on it.
In the tech and banking world, a lack of sleep can be seen as a mark of merit. 'In some industries, falling asleep can absolutely be seen as a badge of honour to show how hard you're working, and how late you stay, how many times you've had to get a take away dinner at work,' said Hannah McCamley Jackson, UKCP psychotherapist.
Nap pods and their limits
Some offices have embraced napping culture, installing sleep pods. Google has introduced high-tech pods dotted around the office (not in private rooms), while Ben & Jerry's and Nike's offices in Portland, Oregon, have nap rooms. A 20-minute nap can replenish energy levels, and Harvard Medical School says a power nap (10 to 30 minutes) can effectively increase alertness and focus.
But requiring sleep during work can also be a symptom of burnout. 'It might be a sign of overwhelm, and with that, dissociation,' McCamley Jackson added. 'Basically your nervous system can't cope. It's working overtime to keep you going, but it's working out ways for you to get a break.'
Disciplinary risks and self-advocacy
Sleeping at work could even be a trauma response, according to the psychotherapist. 'It might seem extreme, but actually our body has gone into a trauma response of freeze. We just can't take on anymore.'
Jim Moore, employee relations expert at HR consultants Hamilton Nash, said managers should be concerned with employees' wellbeing. 'Treating a workplace nap as a disciplinary issue without investigating the real cause can be unfair and unproductive,' he said. 'Most UK workplaces will interpret sleeping at your desk as unprofessional.' Punishments could involve a verbal warning, but if it persists with no underlying medical or welfare issue, disciplinary sanctions are likely.
McCamley Jackson emphasised that workers do have choices. 'It's very difficult to admit that actually this environment might not work for you,' she explained. 'But that's also wrapped in shame, and a sense of failure. There's also a real fear of recessions and financial instability.' She advised communicating work-life balance expectations early, asking about office culture, and being honest about what you're willing to cope with. If feeling burnt out, seeing a GP may lead to grounds for medical leave while recuperating.
