Most people suffer the post prandial doldrums, when concentration is difficult and sleep seems to be the only thing you can think about. So you sit there, in a semi conscious daze until something snaps you out of it, or try to get through some of your work on autopilot. Very dangerous if you are a surgeon or an airline  pilot, unless you are, of course, on autopilot.

But recent studies have shown that this feeling is normal for our bodies, as more energy is directed from other functions in order to digest our lunch.

Many offices are now waking up to the need to manage our energy levels at work, and now recognise the advantages of having rest areas where employees can properly take a beneficial 40 winks.

The logistics of providing this facility can of course be a real problem, but real progress is being made, especially with modern companies such as Google and Virgin, who long ago realised that being sleepy in the office is not necessarily a sign of laziness or a lack of enthusiasm for the work.

Indeed in Japan it has long been regarded that afternoon nap takers are the real workers in the business, as they have already tired themselves out from working so hard during the morning, and western scientists are discovering that this may not be just a load of old Sushi

So specialist companies such a Metronap have been set up to advise companies on the best methods of staff energy management and can provide some useful, if not unusual, equipment to help companies get the most out of their employees.
Renting a number of Energypods  may not be feasible for every office environment, but Metronap can offer some very valuable advice and assistance, to help you instigate a successful energy management programme.
However the biggest problem we face  is overcoming our general attitude towards seeing people asleep in the workplace.

Reclining back in your office chair with your feet on the desk is more likely to get you the sack, than recognition for obviously having worked harder than your colleagues.

Sometimes the catatonic drowsiness felt by many workers in the early afternoon can just be caused by too much partying, in which case it would seem unfair to reward this employee with an afternoon kip, but in many cases this fatigue is just our caveman instinct and pre-programming not being able to adjust to modern life.

As is the case in so many areas of 21st century life, scientists are able to analyse and solve problems even before we know we have a problem, and workplace energy management seems to be the next area that is going to be tackled.

We have had recreation and breakout areas which give employees areas to relax and be informal at work, and now it seems that in a few years times we may even have large super-dorms in our offices, with rows of employees, seemingly fast asleep, but in fact managing their energy for optimum efficiency.

Mind you, a Vodka Redbull with your sandwich will be cheaper and might be much more fun.