The French already enjoy a 35-hour workweek and generous vacation. Now the health minister wants to look into whether workers should be allowed to sleep on the job.

France launched plans this week to spend $9 million US this year to improve public awareness about sleeping troubles. About one in three French people suffers from them, the ministry says.

(CBC)

Fifty-six per cent of French complain that a poor night's sleep has affected their job performance, according to the ministry.

"Why not a nap at work? It can't be a taboo subject," Health Minister Xavier Bertrand said Monday. He called for further studies and said he would promote on-the-job naps if they prove useful.

France's state-run health insurance provider will send letters explaining the importance of good sleep and tips on how to get a good night's rest. The Health Ministry's website offers a questionnaire to help visitors evaluate how well they sleep.

Bertrand said sleepiness causes 20 per cent to 30 per cent of highway accidents across France each year.