Friday, 7 October 2016

NapSpot: Macquarie Theatre Wall-Holes

Location: Macquarie Theatre W2.4A - First floor, right next to lecture hall entrance




Now that we're back to uni with the end of the holidays, that means that we're back to napping at uni and taking advantage of all the cosy spaces. In my first week back at uni, I discovered this not-so-hidden beauty when waiting for my tutorial to start upstairs. 

Immediately, there are some great pluses to napping here, the padding is surprisingly comfortable and there is plenty of room to stretch out your legs. The vibrant red colour is very eye-catching and the whole little 'cubicle' is aesthetically pleasing, new and modern. It feels like you're napping in style. Also, if you lie across it completely, you achieve the illusion of privacy as you face a wall and are cradled by three wall surfaces. When there are no classes, this corridor is usually very empty. The opposing side of the corridor has large glass windows looking out into the beautiful greenery also welcome in a large amount of sunshine, perfect for a spring nap. Sure there are many people passing the windows outside but people rarely look into them so your privacy is somewhat secured.

Unfortunately, a lot of downsides arise from napping here. First of all, the large opposing glass windows are great, but they let in so much light so you don't get any of that 'nap mood lighting'. Also, the red looks great and all but if you know your nap colours, and I sure do, blue is ideal to evoke a sleepy mood. Red, not so much. Of course the biggest problem I have with this spot is the fact that there aren't any power points nearby so you're not gonna want to spend much time here if your phone is on low battery. But the biggest problem by far is the fact that it is immediately next to the main entrance to the biggest and newest lecture hall in Macquarie uni. I'm sure you're not going to want to wake up to hundreds of people standing beside you as you nap away and they await their lecture. Kind of awkward. 

I think this spot is great for relaxing, it's comfy, looks good and very cosy with a great illusion of privacy. However, it's not the kind of spot where you want to let your guard down and fall asleep because you could wake up to a semi-awkward situation.

I give it a total of 3 out of 5 stars.

Writer:
Julia Gapon
julia.gapon@students.mq.edu.auhttps://twitter.com/MacqNap

Thursday, 6 October 2016

Napping Know-how for Students


I'm sure we have all taken a nap here and there sometimes because we're bored or sometimes cause we really need it and can't fight to stay awake any longer. 

There are so many hidden facts about napping that a lot of people don't know..


1. Napping makes you smarter
Some may find this hard to believe but there are studies that states that napping for a little as an hour allows your brain to reset you short-term memory and helps you learn more easily after you wake up.

2. All-nighters
Without a doubt students have stayed up all night to complete an assignment they may have very likely left last minute or left studying for an exam till the day before. Choosing not to sleep and to cram reduces the ability to retain information by 40%! 

Why even bother I say??

3. Napping before a planned all-nighter
So you've accepted the fact you left something last minute and now you have to face the consequences of not sleeping, try a short nap before the long hard night ahead it will assist you in staying alert for up to 10 hours after.

The power of napping is amazing!

4. Picking the right time
Picking the right time to nap is important so that it doesn't interfere with your nighttime sleep, best time is usually in the early afternoon after lunch.

5. Hour naps are the go-to
60 minutes of napping improves your alertness for 10hrs - However naps over 20-30mins to risk the chance of feeling groggy for half and hour to an hour after the nap.

6. A mix of caffeine 

Here's a cool tip, if you really need that boost of energy try drinking some caffeine right before you nap for 20-30mins which is the approximate time it takes for it to kick in and once you wake you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle your day!

7. Don't interfere with the night's sleep
Approximate time you want to be pushing your nap to is five hours before bedtime without risking being able to fall asleep at night


Writer - Lousie Le

Images
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=napping+interesting+facts&biw=875&bih=849&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjhoNSQq8fPAhWHj5QKHVaFD1kQ_AUIBigB&dpr=1.1#imgrc=rGBNZKjWSzAD4M%3A