Ask any college student, “If you could have more of anything in the world, what would it be?” and–aside from the common responses of money, sex, booze, and a tad bit of dignity–the answer would probably be sleep. Finally, universities across the country are starting to respond. Enter on-campus napping stations.
Part of a new pilot program started last spring, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor has begun constructing designated napping areas in one of the schools’ libraries. Taken on a first come, first served basis, the sectioned off space features six vinyl cots and disposable pillowcases. Students may use the cots for a maximum of 30 minutes each.
If you think vinyl cots are the only sleeping option, think again. Schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi have recently installed EnergyPods, which are futuristic chairs designed for napping, in some of their residence halls and gyms. Last year, James Madison University in Virginia went so far as to start the “Revive the Sleep Deprived” campaign, which, after garnering so much attention from the administration, was able to fund the creation of a special room in the school’s student center, conveniently called The Nap Nook, where students can reserve beanbag chairs for up to 40 minutes at a time.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for the concept of nap rooms, and I’m all for it. I mean, whoever said college can’t be like preschool? The way I see it, as long as boys have cooties, napping stations should exist. Everywhere.
[via Time]