BCIT opens nap room to improve students’ focus, mental health

The B.C. Institute of Technology has set up a nap room for students to take a brief snooze one per week.

Students at the B.C. Institute of Technology now have a sanctioned spot to catch some Zs between classes.

The post-secondary institute opened up an official nap room this week as part of its Health & Wellness program, noting that a short nap can help students improve their mental health and focus.

The room, which was set up in a multipurpose racquetball court, has 10 bed and pillows, but no blankets.

Students have to book a slot to get in, and there are a set of strict guidelines they have to follow inside – including that they keep quiet, nap no longer than 40 minutes, and set their cell phones to silent.

There’s also a no-tolerance policy for sexual conduct, inappropriate behaviour and cuddling.

Similar designated nap rooms are becoming more and more common; the University of Calgary launched a nap room last year, and social media giant Hootsuite included a nap room in the Vancouver office it opened in 2013.