'No Napping' Notice Appears in China... Company Says "Actual Regulation"

From Students to Office Workers, China's 'Osu Culture' Takes Root
Company: "Sleeping Face Down Raises Concerns of Colds and Gastrointestinal Diseases"
Media: "It's Like Not Eating Because of a Sore Throat"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] In China, an internal company notice titled 'Prohibition of Napping' was leaked, sparking heated debates online. Critics argue that the regulation is excessive given the common cultural practice of taking naps after lunch in China.

According to Tencent News on the 3rd, an e-commerce company headquartered in Hangzhou posted an internal memo this month stating that employees are not allowed to take naps. The memo emphasized, "During the winter mornings, when blood circulation slows and immunity weakens, lying face down on the desk can lower body temperature, leading to colds and numbness in the limbs," and added, "Napping after lunch can cause indigestion and lead to gastrointestinal disorders."

In China, there is a cultural practice called Ujjao (午覺), where everyone from young students to office workers takes naps around lunchtime. Generally, instead of having a separate space, people nap by resting their heads on their study or work desks. The saying "If you don't nap at lunch, you will collapse in the afternoon" reflects how deeply ingrained this custom is.

After the internal notice was leaked externally, debates erupted on the internet. Local media confirmed that the memo is genuine and reported that the company explained, "Napping is allowed in summer," and "If employees bring foldable beds during winter naps, they can lie down to rest."

Tencent News pointed out, "If there is concern that people might catch colds from napping, other solutions should be found," suggesting, "Employees should be advised to wear thick clothes or heating should be provided." It added, "Prohibiting naps is unpleasant to see," and likened it to "not eating because of a sore throat."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.