Napping is a physiological need that should be recognised by businesses and is in their best interests, as sleep is directly linked to lower productivity and absenteeism at work, according to the seven experts who compiled the report.

Dr Jean-Pierre Giordanella, the co-author of the Terra Nova report, called "Catching up on sleep, a public affair", told Europe1 that bosses should invest in dedicated napping rooms in their offices.

“All that’s needed is a calm room where you can turn off the strip lighting and come out refreshed,” he said. “We realised that this simple practice improves work efficiency and reduces absenteeism.”

If sleep is not possible, the lack of noise and lighting will still do a power of good, he said.

For bosses concerned this might shorten their employees' working day, the study suggests factoring a 15-minute nap into the timetable, meaning staff "leave work 15 minutes later".