Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Community Power Naps Reframe Rest as Essential, Not Indulgent
Many people in busy cities do not get enough rest.
Some places are trying group naps to help people pause during the day.
Seoul recently held a contest where people napped together in a park.
Experts say a short nap can help some people feel more awake and focused.
They also say resting with others can make it feel less like laziness.
But a short nap cannot fix being overworked all the time.
Getting regular sleep and making time to recover are important too.
Community power naps are gaining attention in cities, with South Korea, France, Spain, Italy and Japan promoting them as wellness and productivity routines.
Seoul recently held a community Power Nap Contest at a park along the Han River.
Experts say short naps can improve alertness, mood and concentration; one expert recommends 20 to 30 minutes for many people.
Counselling psychologist Archana Nanduri says group nap events can make rest feel socially acceptable, particularly for people living in constant alert mode.
Experts caution that short nap events cannot make up for chronic overwork; consistent sleep and healthier daily routines remain important.
- Who
- Urban residents and experts Luke Coutinho and counselling psychologist Archana Nanduri.
- What
- Community power naps are being promoted as a way to normalize rest and support well-being.
- When
- Recently; the article does not give a date for Seoul's contest.
- Where
- Seoul hosted a contest at a park along the Han River; the article also discusses urban life in India.
- Why
- To encourage people to pause and address fatigue, while opening conversations about sleep, rest and work-life balance.
Value of community naps
Limits of short nap events
Can group naps help?
Value of community naps
Luke Coutinho and Archana Nanduri say public nap initiatives can give people permission to rest and make rest seem socially acceptable.
Limits of short nap events
Nanduri cautions that short competitions cannot compensate for chronic overwork or toxic workplaces; lasting well-being depends on everyday habits and recovery.
- Recommended nap length
- Luke Coutinho says 20 to 30 minutes works well for many people.
- Seoul event
- A community Power Nap Contest was held at a park along the Han River.
- Countries mentioned
- South Korea, France, Spain, Italy and Japan.
- Nap effects cited
- Naps of 10 to 60 minutes may improve positive mood and reduce sleepiness for up to 240 minutes.
- Study reference
- The article cites a 2023 sleep study for the reported nap findings.
- Caution
- A 15- to 20-minute nap competition cannot compensate for chronic overwork or toxic workplaces, Archana Nanduri says.