Pop-up tube hotel pushes napping

Weary workers in need of a quick nap can — if only for a brief time — check in for a 20-minute midday snooze at a new pop-up hotel in Toronto's downtown core.

The hotel, essentially a series of tube-shaped beds each a little more than two metres long, has set up shop outside in the Royal Bank Plaza, near the corner of Bay and Wellington Streets.

The hotel offers free 20-minute sleeps in the tube beds and closes Sunday. It's also a marketing ploy for Breathe Right, the nasal strips designed to ease congestion and aid sleep.

But though it's more marketing gimmick than a real hotel, its presence raises the question about the health benefits of a short sleep in the middle of the work day.

Richard Horner, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, says six out of 10 Canadians report that they do not get enough sleep.

It's something he said can cause serious health problems.

"Cancer risk is elevated, for example, for people who work shifts," he told CBC News. "It affects mood, ability to think, risk for accidents and injuries. There's a host of good reasons why we should prioritize sleep."

Lufty Hamely tried out the sleep tubes and said the short rest gave her a boost.

"I love napping, I think it really rejuvenates me," she said. "I feel very calm. The stress has gone down a bit."

Rishu Trehan also checked out the hotel and likes the concept.

"I think it's a unique idea," he said. "I would be tempted to try it. There are times when you're stressed and need to relax and lie down somewhere. I'm not sure how my boss would like it."