UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | March 28, 2024

Nap pods beneficial to campus, students, should be built on campus

Framery offers the “NapQ,”‘ a work station that folds down into a sofa set, seen at NeoCon in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago on June 11. (TNS)

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The average college student can typically be found doing schoolwork, eating or sleeping. While campuses do an adequate job taking care of the first two basic needs, the last one is often overlooked.

Universities should take more initiative to create a peaceful, affordable, on-campus location for sleeping for students.

Students who are involved in extra-curricular activities or athletics are on campus for multiple hours of the day. However, not all of their time is filled with activities. There are often large gaps in their schedules with classes in the morning, classes in the evening and on-campus events throughout the day.

According to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine article: “College students involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to have sleep deprivation… Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness were frequent complaints among these students.”

For students who live on campus, this is not such a big issue. They have the freedom to go back to their apartments and take care of their physical and mental health. For those stuck on campus for the day, options to take care of themselves are minimal, especially when it comes to sleep.

Since gas is costly, the option to drive home for these breaks is usually not much of an option. Therefore, students need a space to sleep that is on campus and readily available for students.

Having nap pods on campus would have multiple benefits on the student body. Since students would be rested, there would be a happier and more energetic vibe on campus. This would also increase attendance since there are no temptations for off-campus students to stay at home after their breaks from classes are over.

Lawrence Epstein, a doctor quoted in an American Academy of Sleep Medicine article, said: “After two weeks of sleeping six hours or less a night, students feel as bad and perform as poorly as someone who has gone without sleep for 48 hours. New research also highlights the importance of sleep in learning and memory. Students getting adequate amounts of sleep performed better on memory and motor tasks than did students deprived of sleep.”

Universities are responsible for the mental health of students. Having a safe place for students to get rest is a vital progressive step all colleges should take.

To show your support, email Dean of Students Del Beatty at [email protected] or Student Body President Cajun Syrett at [email protected].