CU Boulder’s Campus Nap Pods are Powering Student Success

Being a college student can be exhausting at times. From essays and papers, to classes, jobs, studying, and extracurriculars, sometimes it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. When bedtime finally rolls around, it's a quick sleep before waking up to do it all over again.

But in order for college students to function at their highest degree, getting a good night's sleep is an crucial component to the mix.

Sleep plays an essential role in humans' health and well-being. It impacts our mood, memory, metabolism, immune system and many other things.

Research shows that getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night can make a difference in how we feel. However, a 20-minute nap can help without impacting your nighttime routine if you need a mid-day pick-me-up.

The University of Colorado Boulder understands how beneficial naps are, and the important impact they can have on students' health. With this in mind, the university's Health and Wellness Department recently installed four innovative nap pods in various places around campus.

Each nap pod is designed to create the optimal environment for a quick snooze. They feature an ergonomic design, sleep music, and a gentle waking sequence. Students can even store their belongings within the pod while dozing.

CU-Boulder's relaxation stations are currently located in the Wellness Suite inside the Wardenburg Health Center, at the rec center, inside Norlin Library, and on the third floor east of the Center for Academic Success and Engagement.