MetroNap Pods

Juniper Foo | Jul 16, 2004

The idea of noon-time siesta in workaholic Asia is probably as alien as, well, our pungent century egg is to the Eskimos. So it's interesting to learn that on the other side of the globe, specifically New York, one company MetroNap has developed sleep facilities in Empire State Building. For US$14 a pop, stressed-out cubicle dwellers can walk into a quiet, darkened room filled with pod-like chairs for 20-minute power naps. White noise machines block out ambient noise, while sleepers lie cocooned within the reclining seats, blankets covering their legs and music piped into headphones. These plush spherical cradles gently wake up the sleeper with a combination of vibrations and light. If the idea of power naps sounds attractive, the company also sells and leases its Pods. That said, don't let your boss catch you snoozing at your desk.

Price: From US$7,950
Availability: New York City
Device: Sleep pods
Basic specs: Reclining function, timer activated light and vibration, optional ambient sound system and privacy visor

Filed under: Gadgets
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