As we continue to plow through life here on the East Coast, we often forget that we are not machines. We wake up to the shrill sound of our alarm clocks, slaves to a 24 hour day.

It seems that life expects us to morph into some sort of sleepless robots.

So how can we live up to the demanding expectations of life and still manage to catch some sleep?

The answer is simple-  naps, yes naps. Remember when mom told you to take a nap before dinner and you would cry and scream and throw a tantrum? Its funny how at that age I never would have thought that now at age 22, a good cat-nap could make my day.

The problem is that our body often demands naps at the wrong place and time. The idea of sleep during the day seems laughable.

Then along came the Ostrich Pillow.

I got this pillow as a gift last year. As you can imagine I was totally embarrassed to wear that thing at first, and if I did muster up the courage to put it on I couldn’t contain my laughter. Then one day on a plane ride to San Francisco I stopped caring what people think. I slipped my head into the ostrich pillow, which cradled every curve of my skull, it was like lying in a cloud. I got completely comfortable in my plane seat, surrounded by strangers, and slowly began to drift into a deep and satisfying slumber.

So how can the ostrich pillow help college students?

I keep mine in my locker while on campus, and in my car when I’m on the go. If I have an hour to kill in between classes I’ll whip out my ostrich pillow find a quiet space like the quiet room in the back of the Priddy Library, or an empty Break Room and just sleep. The days I work double shifts at my restaurant I usually have a two hour break in between and I take a nap with my ostrich pillow right in my car.

Taking naps will not only make us feel more rested, but be more productive. Let’s face it, getting a full 8 hours of sleep every night is nearly impossible with the demands of college life. That’s no excuse to walk through life like a sleepless zombie, it’s important to listen to your body and get in those naps.

You’re 5 year old self might not appreciate it, but the adult you will be forever grateful.