Naps and Sleep Deprivation: Why Academic Libraries Should Consider Adding Nap Stations to their Services for Students

ABSTRACT

Since the invention of artificial light, people have been working, studying, and playing for longer hours than ever before. They are also sleeping less as a result. This article examines the impact of sleep deprivation on people generally, and specifically on college students. Students accrue a large sleep debt that impairs their ability to function adequately. Students suffering from sleep deprivation can be as impaired as if they are drunk. They suffer damage to their minds and bodies. Adequate sleep can repair this damage, but with the many demands on college students, they may be unlikely to be able to accomplish this. Studies have indicated that naps are beneficial in helping to reduce students' sleep debts. Universities are realizing the importance of naps, and university libraries may be ideal locations for napping stations. Several options of providing students with safe comfortable napping areas are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Naps
• sleep deprivation
• college students
• sleep debt
• napping areas