A Solution for Exhausted Teens

Back in kindergarten, the good old days, some of us, if not all of us, were forced to take naps or at least lie down and have down time. I don’t know about you, but when I was a little five year old, naps seemed like the worst thing in the world. I was just fine singing my ABCs and playing with my friends all day long. Now, most of us would do anything to get a 20-minute nap in. At such a young age, we barely had anything to worry about. The high school syndrome is in full swing, along with work, and other things that teenagers experience. You hear people joking around about having napping periods and such all of the time, but what if that joke became a reality?

Did you know that we as humans are designed to naturally have two naps per day? According to www.fastcompany.com, naps can be extremely beneficial for brain function. “Sleep experts have found that daytime naps can include many things. Increase alertness, boost creativity, reduce stress, improve perception, stamina, motor skills, and accuracy…” So, if we were to take at least one nap during school hours, we could benefit by focusing better, absorbing information better, and even have a more positive attitude when it comes to learning. 

While the title of the class/period says it all, it would be more than “just lying on the ground under a table and closing your eyes” thing. The class would consist of more than just a blanket and a pillow. I am talking about going all out. Dimmed lights, pillows, different types of blankets, recliners, mattresses, etc,.. (I know, I know, You’re yawning just thinking about that). The period would literally just be to rest or nap, but in the most chill and relaxing way possible. A survey asking if Doherty should offer napping periods was completed by 12 different students. One question asked the basic question, “Should Doherty offer a period for one to rest or take a nap?” 50% said that having a nap period would  be absolutely awesome, and the other 50% did not see a reason for a napping period, or just did not care at all.

 Now, I know there are important questions that need to be answered, such as, “How would this affect our school schedule?” Or “Could anyone put the napping period to use?” As great as it would be for everyone to be able to have a napping period, it would have to count as an elective, so that it would not affect school hours for the ones who do not wish to have a napping period, and for everyone to be able to go home at the same time, and because it would be an elective, it would vary on who would be able to do it based on the type of credits he/she needed, and then the space that would be available for people to take that nap period/class. 

How would you feel about getting to lounge and take a nap at school? Would you feel relieved knowing that you get to take a break from the world for an hour? Let us know in the comments!