Studies show that workers increasingly find themselves nodding off at work, or dozing during meetings and nothing will upset your boss more than to find you sleeping at your desk. Of course, it could be worse.

Passersby in Nashville Tennessee noticed something about the window washer at the Fifth Third Bank building. He was at the 20th floor, and he seemed to be asleep. Firefighters were called to the scene and after tugging on the ropes of his scaffolding were able to wake him and get him to descend from the dizzying height.

“It’s unusual to fall asleep outside while on scaffolding that high up’” said Nashville Fire Chief Henry Booker.

Researchers now believe that too little sleep contributes to various health risks, such as obesity and diabetes. Lack of sleep or sleeping at odd hours may increase your risk of developing cancer or heart disease. And the problem is becoming epidemic.

A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation confirms that one in four Americans is missing out on sleep and 58% of respondents said they suffer from insommnia.

So in case you need them, we offer the 8 best excuses to use when caught sleeping on the job.

*They told me at the blood bank that this might happen.

*This is just a 15 minute power nap like they raved about in that time management course you sent me to.

*I was working smarter - not harder.

*This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people!

*I was doing a highly specific Yoga exercise to relieve work related stress. Do you discriminate against people who practice Yoga?

*I’m actually doing a Stress Level Elimination Exercise Plan (SLEEP). I learned at the last mandatory seminar you made me attend.

*Damn! Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem.

*I thought you were gone for the day.