Gym could swap dumbbells for duvets in sleep sessions

Exhausted Tayside parents may soon be able to climb into bed and catch up on sleep – at their local gym.

Called Napercise, it consists of 45-minute sleep sessions scientifically designed to reinvigorate the mind, improve moods and even burn the odd calorie.

The new health and fitness class that consists of nothing but sleeping is to be trialled by David Lloyd Clubs and could be rolled out across the UK in future – including the company’s gym at Ethiebeaton Park, Monifieth.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “According to our research, 86% of parents admit to regularly suffering from fatigue.

“This is alarmingly high when you consider the important role getting a good night’s sleep can play in our overall mental and physical wellbeing.

“We’re always looking for new ways to tackle the issues that everyday families face, which is what Napercise sets out to do.

“Filling an exercise studio with beds might look unusual but if it proves to be a success, we’re excited at the possibility of rolling out the programme to more of our clubs down the line.”

Guests will find the spin-bikes swapped for single beds and upbeat workout tunes ditched in favour of atmospheric sounds, to create the perfect environment for the soporific sessions to take place.

The studio temperature will also be dropped to a level that promotes calorie burning during sleep.

Napercisers will be invited to curl up in one of the beds and indulge in some mid-afternoon shuteye before continuing on with their day.

The development is inspired by past academic studies into the important health benefits napping in the day can bring.