Nap capsules for students installed at the University of Lille

Two nap capsules are being tested at the University of Lille to allow students to rest. The device is supposed to help them deal with stress and anxiety, among other things.

It is now possible to sleep at university. In Lille, naps are encouraged not on classroom tables, but in two capsules set up for the occasion. Students who settle in there experience a moment outside of time.

“It doesn’t seem bad, for me who lives so far away, I’ll come and sleep here often, I think,” a student confided to BFM Grand Lille. Followed by a classmate who considers rest “important”, because it “affects our revision”.

“I think taking a nap during the day, especially after eating, because that’s when we usually feel a bit down, can really do us good,” says another student.

Supporting students’ mental health

When students sit in these capsules, outside noise is reduced. The aim is to reduce stress, which is widely expressed.

“We worked a lot with the student health service. We also worked with the university physical and sports activities service, who told us that they had feedback that showed that [les étudiants] were not doing well, that they were stressed and anxious,” explains Esther Dehoux, undergraduate vice-president and leader of the LIBEL’UL project.

The presence of these capsules is therefore intended as a means of supporting the mental health of students in the university setting.

Precarious students, first customers

Since its installation, the device has attracted many curious people, more in the afternoon. Furthermore, it was observed that students in great precariousness were the most interested.

“We know very well that the grants are not enough to live on, so some are forced to work,” says Esther Dehoux.

“They often work evenings in catering or hospitality with difficult hours and they come to class, so the idea is to help them to be able to tell themselves that they can take a 15-minute nap before being operational,” she adds.

In the experimental phase, the capsules are currently freely accessible and no maximum duration for sleeping has been set.