Through my high school and college years, if there is anything students often reminisced about it was nap time. Even in the workplace there is still always a hope that maybe someday, someone out there will hear our cries of needing nap time.

The benefits of sleep have been proven to enhance your focus, mood and productivity according to the National Sleep Foundation. 20-30 minute naps are recommended and should be taken between 10 to 11am and 2 to 4pm.

Countries in Asia, Latin America and Europe already have siesta and nap times rooted into their lifestyles. A new movement has begun in the college and university system that is hoping to instill this habit into the curriculum.

Students at the University of California at Davis have been working on a four-year campaign promoting the benefits of napping. This is nothing new as universities like Oregon State and San Diego State have also been campaigning for the power nap. Many of these campaigns are aimed at finding out if the benefits of napping will translate over into better academic performance.

College students at each of these universities have been handing the tools of the trade like nap kits that include ear plugs and an eye masks, and maps to show students where the primo nap spots on campus are. As for online students you know where the best spot is, the couch.

Indeed if naps truly improve academic performance students can expect to be more alert in class, concentrate better on studying and realize that pulling all nighters isn’t the secret to success. Here some tips for students who want to hit the hay, but not oversleep.

• Only take short naps. As much as we all love hour-long naps, shorter naps provide the most benefits. You may want to set an alarm at first, but eventually your body will probably get the hang of it.
• Find a comfortable place, without a lot of noise and lighting. You don’t necessarily have to hole yourself up in a dark room, just a nice setting for some uninterrupted zzz’s.
• Choose your time wisely. While we have already stated that certain times are best, some people may need to nap at later times. Find out what works for you and your body.
• Be patient, learning the art of the nap does not happen overnight (pun not intended). Sometimes your body takes a while to adjust to new sleeping patterns which can include sleeping the middle of the day. Eventually you might find that going to sleep will become easier and easier.
• Lastly, enjoy those naps!