Energy Pods and Nap Pods: How Companies Use Power Naps

Energy pods are nap pods that let employees take a short power nap at work. After a busy morning and a heavy lunch, almost everyone craves a 20-minute nap. When we first wrote about energy pods in 2012, they were a quirky perk spotted at Google offices. In 2026, nap pods and quiet rest rooms are a regular part of workplace wellness at offices, universities, hospitals and airports.

Quick answer: An energy pod is a reclining nap chair with a privacy visor, built-in sound and a timer that wakes you gently with light and vibration after about 20 minutes. Companies install energy pods because short power naps can improve alertness and focus, especially for people who work long hours or night shifts.

What are energy pods?

The best-known energy pod is the EnergyPod made by MetroNaps, a company founded by Christopher Lindholst and Arshad Chowdhury. People spotted these futuristic nap pods at Google offices for years, and MetroNaps also donated pods to their old university, Wesleyan, for students to nap in the library.

How does an energy pod work?

• Zero-gravity position: the pod reclines your body, raises your feet and relaxes your back muscles.
• Privacy visor: a dome swings forward to cover your head and block out the room.
• One-touch 20-minute nap: a preset timer gives you a perfect power nap, and you can set a longer time if you want.
• Relaxing sound: built-in music and sound help you fall asleep and hide office noise. You can use headphones too.
• Gentle wake-up: lights and soft vibration wake you when the time is up.

Why companies use nap pods for power naps

Companies realised that tired staff make more mistakes and work more slowly. A short nap can help people feel sharper for the rest of the day, especially those working late hours or across time zones. Nap pods give people a clean, private place to rest without going home or sleeping at their desk.

• Tech companies: Google made energy pods famous, and many tech offices added nap rooms.
• Hospitals: nap pods help doctors and nurses on long shifts.
• Universities: libraries and student centres offer nap pods during exams.
• Airports and travel: sleeping pods and nap cabins let travellers rest between flights.

Tips for a good power nap at work

1. Keep it short: about 10 to 20 minutes, so you do not wake up groggy.
2. Nap in the early afternoon, not late in the day, so it does not affect night sleep.
3. Set an alarm or use the pod’s timer.
4. Some people drink a coffee just before a short nap, since caffeine kicks in as they wake up.
5. If you feel very sleepy every day, look at your night-time sleep first. A nap is not a cure for too little sleep.

No nap pod? Alternatives

• A quiet room with a reclining chair and an eye mask.
• Booking a meeting room for a 20-minute rest.
• A short walk outside, which also helps with the after-lunch slump.

If you work long hours at a computer, also see our tips to increase productivity on computers.

FAQ

How much does an energy pod cost?

Commercial nap pods are expensive workplace equipment, typically several thousand dollars or more. Prices depend on the model and supplier, so ask the maker for a quote.

How long should a power nap be?

Around 10 to 20 minutes works best for most people. Longer naps can leave you feeling groggy.

Does Google still have nap pods?

Google offices became well known for energy pods. Perks differ by office, so availability varies.

Are nap pods good for productivity?

Many employers find that short rest breaks help people stay alert, especially on long or night shifts. They work best alongside good sleep habits.

Have you ever tried a sleeping pod? Does your company provide nap pods at the office? Tell us in the comments.