Unlike beds or sleepy pods chairs, nap pods create a quiet environment where people can sleep in public. Typically located in places like airport lounges or libraries, they are designed to encourage employees and students to take a break from their busy daytime tasks.

These special, portable sleep spaces are often designed to be relaxing and comfortable and may include features such as a sound-absorbing material or a cushioned headrest. Some models also feature vibration or a zero gravity experience to help soothe the user into sleep and gently wake them when it is time to get up. They may also have built-in timers to ensure the optimal nap length is achieved.

Snooze On the Go: The Rise of Sleep Pods in Public Spaces

In addition to the companies that provide them for their employees, many universities and hospitals have also started to add nap pods to their facilities. The National Health Service, for example, has installed the pods in some of its hospitals in order to combat fatigue caused by night shift work – which can have serious consequences for patients and colleagues.

One company that offers nap pods to its customers is the global technology conglomerate Facebook, which provides Podtime’s capsule-style pods at its Seattle and London campuses. The pods are a step up from the reclining lounger-style pods offered by other manufacturers, as they have a mattress and pillow inside them for a more bed-like feel and enclose more of the body. The Podtime pods are also available in a wide variety of colors to suit the customer’s decor and can be equipped with amenities such as Bluetooth speakers.