Submission: Sleep pods would provide much-needed sanctuary

By Adam Swart
How much sleep did you get last night? If I had to guess, it was almost certainly less than the recommended eight hours most of us need to perform optimally academically and to maintain a good standard of health and physical fitness. To be sure, there are good reasons for missing out on sleep. Balancing studying, extracurricular activities, work, hanging out with friends and partying can be tough while also getting enough sleep.

Yet, I imagine many of you have time between classes. Perhaps you have one hour here or two hours there when you could use a nap. Napping, while not a substitute for a full night’s sleep, can help you recover from some of the worst effects of sleep deprivation. A study on NASA pilots showed that a 40-minute nap provided them with a 34 percent performance boost and a 100 percent alertness boost. These effects can be applied to students’ academic performance, whether it means being more prepared for a midterm or being on the ball in discussion.

Unfortunately, UCLA lacks an excellent place to nap. Yes, we have the library, but the library couches can be crowded and unhygienic due to overuse and lack of regular cleaning. We have the grass, but come winter it can be cold outside and being outside leaves your belongings vulnerable while you take your nap.

Thus, I was excited to introduce a proposal to the Associated Students UCLA Board of Directors recently to install world-class sleep pods at the heart of campus in Ackerman Union. These state-of-the-art pods will be open only to students and will ensure a spot for a high-quality and uninterrupted sleep. They will be open throughout the day and will have a place to store your belongings. Whether you’re looking for a 30-minute power nap or two hours of sleep, you will be able to enjoy sleep that leaves you refreshed for your next activity for only a nominal fee of $1-$3 per hour.

I would ask every student what they want to see out of ASUCLA. I believe that the sleep pods will give us an opportunity to have a sanctuary away from the hectic vibe of classes and jobs that will allow us to rest and recharge so that we can perform better. We already have coffee shops, restaurants, concessions and gaming establishments, among other hangout spots. The sleep pods can be our oasis to catch up on much-needed rest, which will improve both our health and our academic performance. Let’s create a space that gives us a state-of-the-art facility that we deserve right in the heart of campus.

Swart is an undergraduate representative to the ASUCLA Board of Directors and a fifth-year political science student.