PARIS — Associated Press Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 09:58PM EDT
The French already enjoy a 35-hour work week and generous vacation. Now the Health Minister wants to look into whether workers should be allowed to sleep on the job.
France launched plans this week to spend €6.9-million ($10.5-million Canadian) this year to improve public awareness about sleeping troubles. About one in three French people suffer from them, the ministry says.
Fifty-six per cent of French complain that a poor night's sleep has affected their job performance, the ministry says.
“Why not a nap at work? It can't be a taboo subject,” Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said. He called for further studies and said he would promote on-the-job naps if they proved useful.
France's state-run health insurance provider will send letters explaining the importance of good sleep, and tips on how to get a good night's rest. The Health Ministry's Web site offers a questionnaire to help visitors evaluate how well they sleep.
Bertrand said sleepiness causes 20 per cent to 30 per cent of highway accidents across France each year.
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