Media Outlets Weigh in on Nap Space

Ever since students signed Yuqi Hou '15's petition rallying for a space to nap in Harvard Yard, numerous media outlets have chimed in to opine on the idea. While some applaud the concept, others find it further proof of Harvard students' snobbery.

Is a cozy room for a quick snooze a brilliant idea or an awkward encounter waiting to happen? Here's what some have to say on the matter.

Lauren Landry, BostInno: "What I think, however, is that Harvard students are complaining about merely being college students."

This article drips with sarcasm, mocking "the woes of a Harvard student" and arguing that we need to let go of our preschool days, suck it up, and drink another "grande soy caramel macchiato with whipped cream." What it doesn't take into account is Harvard's punishing geography for weary Quad residents, who are faced with a 15-minute commute by foot to get to class in the Yard. It is often not feasible for these students to return to their dorms for a nap, when the two-way trip will take 30 minutes.

Though we don't appreciate the condescending tone, we do enjoy the photo gallery of "unflattering faces you might make in a communal nap room" that accompanies the article.

Red Politics: "In case Harvard University needed another reason to be superior, a nap room for students to snooze in between classes might be in the works."

Despite the predictably snarky lede, this article is a bit more reasonable, focusing on the benefits of napping during the day. Naps can increase productivity and enhance problem solving, while minimizing the sleep deficit that many overbooked Harvard students confront. And yes, we agree, a nap space could be the clincher over Yale (especially now that football is no longer a competition).

Huffington Post: "We can't say we disagree with Hou's idea. We have nap rooms here at the Huffington Post, and they're often overbooked."

As proud supporters of their own office nap space, the Huffington Post has an experienced take on the controversy. Citing Harvard Medical School professor Robert Stickgold, the article emphasizes the importance of an ideal spot to nap, with reduced light, little noise, and cool temperatures. Maybe a nap space is a practical solution for fatigued upperclassmen schlepping their lives on their backs through the Yard after all.