Evaluation of the Effect of Daytime Power Napping on Depression, Stress and Sleep According to Working Method: Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Aims: In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in depression and stress states resulting from a daytime power nap, as well as the individual characteristics that influence these changes. Methods: This study was conducted to analyse the effects of daytime power napping, on sleep, depression and stress levels using 40 healthy volunteers over a 6-week period. Participants were assessed at baseline using a survey that included demographic information, analysis of sleep patterns using JSS, BDS, and PSS. At the end of this period, participants were given a post-test survey including JSS, BDS and PSS. Results: Our study included 40 participants, 62.5% of whom were female. These participants showed a significant decrease in mean JSS, BDS and PSS scores after the 6-week daytime power nap intervention. Significant decreases in mean JSS, BDS and PSS scores were observed in individuals identified as day workers, while significant changes in BDS and PSS scores were observed in shift workers, with no significant change in JSS. Conclusions: Daytime power napping shows significant effects for both day and shift workers. It can be used as an effective tool to regulate sleep quality and reduce depression and stress levels in daily life.