Columbia students spent the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 12, participating in the college’s first “Snoozefest,” a series of events focused on sleep health. Students engaged in lessons about the importance of sleep, a variety of activity stations and a sound bath.
Held at The Hive at 618 S. Michigan Ave., the event encouraged students to think about their sleep routines and how they could improve them.
When organizers asked attendees to share what keeps them from getting enough rest, students said they struggle with early commutes, late-night homework and finding the energy to socialize outside of class.
Brandon Jones Jr., a junior music major, said he is not getting enough rest because of class assignments and outside obligations. He attended “Snoozefest” to learn more about how he can improve his sleep habits.
“I know that sleep is important and that it’s a physical and mental health thing that can affect your day-to-day basis,” Jones Jr. said. “I know that with the lack of it, we tend to decrease our goals and our aspects, especially with the classes we have.”
Six stations offered different activities focused on sleep, including a presentation on sleep and mental health, power nap rooms, a discussion on sleep hygiene, DIY sleep kits, vision board making and a relaxation station.
While reflecting at the relaxation station, first-year fashion major Leah Rimstad said she has been avoiding technology and spending time journaling at night to help her wind-down and sleep better. Her biggest struggle is waking up to her alarm clock since she is a deep sleeper.
Nearby, students at the DIY sleep kit station filled bags with items to promote rest, including earplugs, calming teas and sleep masks.
First-year musical theater major Isa Lugo said her biggest struggle is falling asleep at night. She has recently been using a sleep mask because it applies pressure to her face and makes it darker in her room.
The event ended with a sound bath led by expert Christina Puzio, who guided students through a meditation using singing bowls, gongs and chimes. Participants closed their eyes and quietly reflected as the sounds resonated around them.
RaJah Varnado, assistant director of New Student Programs and founder of “Snoozefest,” created the event in hopes to make a therapeutic space where students can unwind and reflect on their self-care routines.
“Students shared their struggle to balance sleep with the demands of being full-time college students juggling classes, projects, performances and jobs,” Varnado said. “Many mentioned feeling exhausted, having trouble sleeping at night or even dozing off in class.”
At the beginning of each fall semester, Varnado co-leads the “Friday Vibe + Repeat” workshop series to help new students acclimate to college life. This sparked the idea for “Snoozefest,” as he heard many students express concerns about their sleep habits.
“The goal is to help students learn practical strategies for better sleep hygiene and understand how quality rest impacts focus, mood and academic success,” Varnado said. “These are lifelong skills that can also be shared with peers and classmates.”
Copy edited by Brandon Anaya
