Jun 30, 2015 11:07 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Many people get fired for dozing off or sleeping on the job, however new research suggests that falling asleep on the job may boost productivity.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that taking a nap may be an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behavior and to boost tolerance for frustration. The findings also suggest that napping can be a cost-efficient and easy strategy to increase workplace safety.

"Our results suggest that napping may be a beneficial intervention for individuals who may be required to remain awake for long periods of time by enhancing the ability to persevere through difficult or frustrating tasks," Jennifer Goldschmied, lead author of the study, said in a statement.

For the study, researchers collected and analyzed data from 40 people between the ages of 18 and 50 years old to examine how a brief nap affected adults' emotional control.

Researchers had participants complete tasks on computers and answer questions about sleepiness, mood and impulsivity. They were randomly assigned to a 60-minute nap opportunity or no-nap period that involved watching a nature video. Research assistants monitored the participants, who later completed those questionnaires and tasks again.

They found that those who napped spent more time trying to solve a task than the non-nappers who were less willing to endure frustration in order to complete it. In addition, nappers reported feeling less impulsive.

Combined with previous research demonstrating the negative effects of sleep deprivation, Goldschmied said their findings indicate that staying awake for an extended period of time hinders people from controlling negative emotional responses.

The findings are detailed in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. 

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