When times get tough, slip into a nap.
That’s the mantra that has been implemented by workplaces like Google, where they’ve set up sleeping pods.
Virgin Active is one Melbourne health club that offers sleep pods for any member needing a bit of a rest.
The Virgin Active CBD branches – on Bourke and Collin streets – feature reclining sleep pods that promote blood flow and feature ambient sounds to help bring the onset of sleep. According to Virgin Active staff member, Daisy, sleep pods have proven quite the hit with young crowds.
“There’s no specification as to what age groups come in and use our sleeping pods. They are extremely popular with both workers and young people – everyone loves them”.
Attaining the recommended hours of sleep is essential to function on a daily basis and research conducted by the Sleep Health Foundation claims that those who fall under the 18-25 age bracket need 7 to 9 hours per night of sleep to be considered healthy.
Tin Nguyen, a third-year science student at the University of Melbourne, said lack of sleep is definitely a prevalent issue among his social groups.
“I sometimes have uni until the late evening and have 8am lectures the next day. Factoring in the 40 minutes it takes me to travel to and from uni, I really have no way to get in that many hours of sleep.”
Nguyen said he believes an adoption of sleeping pods at Melbourne universities would have a range of positives for young people, including saving a heap of sleepy students missing their stops on public transport.
Some urban universities, including RMIT and the University of Melbourne, currently have areas on-campus with bean bags and pillows to promote power napping. However, with these spaces open to all students, the lack of privacy can create an uncomfortable sleeping space for those after a bit of peace and quiet.
In some countries, such as Japan, companies are even encouraging their employees to take power naps throughout the day. Imagine the results if such policies were instituted in universities.
With some university libraries open 24/7 and the majority of students having to travel for long periods of time to get to campus, Nguyen said the stresses of university, such as the exam periods, would be significantly alleviated with the introduction of sleep pods.
“With sleeping pods, I’d consider a full day of studying and there’d be no reason for me to skip lectures either. I think I’d be at uni more if sleeping pods were brought in.”
Western Australia’s Edith Cowan University is one Australian university that has created “energy rooms” filled with sleep pods. However, with sleeping pods sitting at a retail price of $20,000, following Edith Cowan’s path could be difficult for some Melbourne schools.
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