Generally speaking, is it acceptable to take a nap or rest (involving closing eyes) after lunch in software/technology companies in US (if it matters, in places on the two coasts, such as NYC, Bay areas in CA )?

If yes, how long is it acceptable to take a nap or rest? Half an hour?


The book *[Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times][1]* by Judith Hanson Lasater suggested quite some restorative yoga poses to perform in office when feeling tired/sleepy. The following are simple poses:

- put your arms on your desk and rest your head in your arms, or 

- lie back in a couch in a common area, and close your eyes,

- find an empty room such as an auditorium inside a company, sit there and close eyes.

There are more exaggerating poses than the above three simple ones, but they generally involve closing eyes and look like taking a rest or nap.

But I heard of a story that an intern in a software/technology company in NYC was filed a compliant against by someone unknown to HR for taking a post-lunch nap using either of the three above approaches. 

If taking a nap is frowned upon or might risk being reported to HR by coworkers or managers, 

- is closing eyes for 10 to 15 mins while sitting in one's own seat okay?

- how, where and when would you suggest to take a rest, without taking in caffeine and other unhealthy substances, if really feeling sleepy?

- How would you reduce the chance and time of feeling sleepy in office, without taking unhealthy substances?

Thanks.


  [1]: https://books.google.com/books?id=aM3QDAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false