March 7, 2008

Spring Forward, Fall Back (and Take a Nap)

By JENNIFER RUARK

As daylight saving time returns next week and robs us of an hour's sleep, weary academics may be tempted to lie down for a nap.

Those who succumb are likely to snooze on the sly.

Sure, "power napping" enjoyed a brief vogue in the 1990s, but in America's time-is-money culture naps never really stood a chance against caffeine as a socially acceptable way to recharge. And while academe has its own rhythms, few faculty members are willing to admit to daytime dozing.

"It could