Nappers' Nest Still A Dream

For many droopy-eyed Harvard students, a midday power nap may seem pointless considering the distance between their classrooms and beds.

Students at Indiana University South Bend have found a solution to this problem­ by starting a “nap club.” The club’s headquarters is a dark, quiet room where up to 15 students at a time can snooze and be insured that a moderator will wake them up for their next class.

However, Associate Dean of Harvard College, Judith H. Kidd was skeptical that such an institution could be established at Harvard.

“If students want to start an organization to talk about the benefits of napping, we probably would allow it, but if they come to us saying you need to put aside a room for students to get some shut-eye, we would probably think through all the places on campus that are already available for you to take a quick nap,” said Kidd, pointing to the House common rooms and the libraries.

“I’d seriously doubt it would get anywhere because we’re a 97 percent residential campus,” she added.

Students, however, expressed enthusiasm for a centrally-located nap zone on campus.

“Having a place for Quadlings or people who live in Mather to take a quick nap and get rejuvenated when they’re out for the day would definitely be a good thing,” said Abigail W. Darby ’08, co-founder of the 226-member Harvard Facebook group “Nappers Anonymous.”

“My moments of most creativity and brilliance come in the beginning stages of sleep,” said Darby of her own passion for napping.

Co-founders of the South Bend nap club, Michael Duttlinger and Joe Spencer, explained the club’s importance in light of scientific research that shows the benefits of napping for students, according to the Associated Press.

A 2002 Harvard study found that napping among college students improved their ability to perform a mental task or retain information.