Where to Catch Zzzs on Campus

As we struggle to make it to midterms, it is imperative to remain rested and relaxed. Perhaps no way is better than the nap, a small micro-sleep that provides that trickle of energy so often necessary to remain functional. Of course, the act of napping comes with a number of logistical questions. Where am I to nap? Is it allowed? For how long?

Indeed, these lingering doubts may influence students not to nap at all.

There are many considerations at play when one feels the urge to nap on campus. The location must, of course, be comfortable — at least for a short while — and provide some level of peace. This second point seems to be the most pressing: the location mustbe interruption-free, both by people and the environment.

There are, as far as I can see, three types of interruptions that may befall a prospective campus napper. Two involve people and one involves environments. The latter is simple enough — one simply cannot be interrupted constantly by raucous laughter, clanging symbols or cold blasts of wind and be expected to nap.

The other two are somewhat more complicated and involve what I call Nap Interrupters (NIs). NIs come in two forms, Angry (ANIs) and Compassionate (CNIs). ANIs may accost one as they nap, flapping their arms buffoonishly and shouting things like, “You aren’t allowed to sleep in my office.” Despite their violent and unpleasant nature, ANIs still allow nappers to keep their dignity, as all they need to do is stand up, straighten their coat and say “good day.”

CNIs, on the other hand, wake nappers under the false pretense of wanting to know if they are okay, and then have the nerve to act offended when the napper kindly asks them to kick rocks. All of this is simply to press the point that naps are not always as straightforward as they may seem.

In that vein, through a combination of reflection and interviews, I have dedicated myself to find out where the best napping spots are on campus. Haley Marshall, a finance and criminology major, said her favorite nap spot was the Leigh Lounge. With its tall, cushioned chairs and the occasional pianist, the Leigh Lounge does seem like an obvious choice, but I confess to have never felt the comfort, peace and security necessary for a high-quality repose. Additionally, the ability for anyone to walk through the Lounge at any time indicates that well-meaning CNIs may disturb the potential nap as it is in progress.

Eli Erickson, a writing major, said he was partial to the Procrastinator Theater. However, a successful nap there would of course depend upon one being able to sleep through “Nosferatu,” “Moana” or any other number of films, so I remain unconvinced. Additionally, if the Procrastinator Theater is showing a film someone is passionate about, they may transform into an ANI upon seeing you napping.

I confess that I am partial to the Library's third floor, in the chairs circling the fountain. This has several clear advantages as a nap locus. First, the room is tranquil, and the fountain provides a whimsical overtone to the whole affair. Second, the chairs are comfortable and one can put one's feet up. Finally, since the room is on the third floor, there are no cold gusts of wind and the chances of CNIs and ANIs interfering with your rest is much lower.

I am not alone in this opinion. Zachary Bean, a professor in the English department, told me that if he was looking for a spot, it would probably be in the library too.

Unfortunately however, some students seem not to nap at all. When asked where her favorite nap spot on campus was, Andrea Cubberley — who is pursuing her Masters of Science Education  said, “I literally wake up, six shots of espresso down the hatch. I don't sleep. That's the response of a grad student with two jobs.”

This sentiment was echoed by writing major Xander Danenhouer. “I go to the bookstore every morning and I buy three Red Bulls,” he said. “I drink one in my first class, one between classes and one in my second class and then I go home.”

Regardless of where the napping occurs, we ought to all agree that taking time to rest and relax is vitally important as we enter into the middle of the semester. I firmly believe that this over-caffeination of MSU students cannot stand. Don’t allow coffee and Red Bulls to fuel you until you crash and burn — instead, find a good spot and take a nap.