Researchers have added yet another named condition to the lexicon of human ailments. What’s different about this latest one is that 74% of people suffer from it. It’s called Siesta Syndrome (seriously), and can be best described as the tired, groggy feeling we experience in the afternoon. Some people call it a “food coma” or “afternoon lull.” The enterprising fitness center owner will call it “opportunity.”
I’m Not Making This Up
My information on Siesta Syndrome comes from research commissioned by a U.K. company called Avenance. Based on feedback from more than a thousand workers, the research reveals the depth of this previously understudied area:
• Three quarters of workers admit to being less productive in the afternoon.
• A quarter believe they produce the least work between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• More than half (52%) admit to making mistakes during this time.
• Men are 10% more likely to make mistakes than women.
• One in ten workers admit they are 90% to 100% less productive during this time.
With three quarters of the workforce working less, or not at all, during outbreaks of Siesta Syndrome, the cost to this nation’s economy is staggering. Some countries, especially those not concerned with gross national product or maintaining global superpower status, allow citizens to take actual siestas (the pinnacle of civilized culture as far as I’m concerned). But, modern, industrial countries frown upon the afternoon nap to such a high degree that those caught snoozing on the job are usually not invited to attend work the next day.
What causes Siesta Syndrome? It’s tempting to place all the blame on poor lifestyle choices such as a fast food diet, lack of exercise and not enough sleep.
While these may be contributing factors, no amount of nutritious food, exercise or sleep can completely counteract our biological sleep schedule. Doctors call it the “circadian rhythm.” Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including human beings. There are clear patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities linked to the daily cycle. Simply put, Siesta Syndrome is the sign that we’re biologically programmed to sleep in the afternoon.
To combat their circadian rhythms, Americans have turned to coffee, soda, snacks and more recently, energy drinks. Most of these solutions contain large amounts of sugar and/or caffeine. This combination can generate a short-lived energy spike followed by a crippling crash that leaves the user feeling worse than before.
Do you see the opportunity yet? The vast majority of your members suffer from Siesta Syndrome. Most are unable to sleep in the afternoons and need something to counteract the demands of their circadian rhythms. And you’re just the person to advise them – and expand your business from it.
Your opportunity is to address the Siesta Syndrome problem with your members, and offer products that help them have the alert, productive afternoons our society demands. These solutions can take the form of foods, drinks, bars or supplements. Just make sure that the products you offer will provide what your members are looking for – long-term energy and focus in the afternoon.
The Good
Products with high amounts of vitamins and amino acids may be the most helpful, especially in liquid form. B-vitamins are great energizers and are safe in large volumes – since they’re water-soluble (like vitamin C) whatever isn’t absorbed by the body is simply eliminated. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and many are essential for proper brain function, especially L-Tyrosine and LPhenylalanine. Taurine, although not technically an amino acid, is also helpful. Correctly formulated combinations of vitamins and amino acids can produce a feeling of calm, focused energy – ideal for afternoons in the workplace.
The Bad
Processed sugar, in all its forms, is an energy killer and generally unhealthy. However, sugar consistently is used in socalled healthy snacks and energy drinks. Stay away from products containing high fructose corn syrup. Instead, look for safe artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose or Xylitol. Also, stay away from products containing large amounts of starch, another potential energy killer.
The Ugly
Watch for undesirable ingredient combinations: 1) sugar and caffeine, and 2) sugar, caffeine and herbal stimulants (such as ginseng). These combinations can make people feel jittery, tense and high strung – not exactly how people want to feel on the job.
Research shows Siesta Syndrome is a serious problem for the American working person. It’s a natural function of our bodies, but must be overcome to meet the demands of the workplace. With the help of energy products you provide through your club, you can help your members to conquer afternoon grogginess; so they can have alert, productive afternoons.
Carl Sperber is the Marketing Director for Living Essentials / 5-Hour Energy. For more information contact Brandon Bohland at 1.888.960.9495, or by email at brandon@chaserplus.com.
