Est. 1931 · Chartered · Independent
Institute for Competitive Napping
Advancing the Science and Sport of Napping Since 1931
The foremost governing and research body in competitive somnolence. We set the standards, certify the judges, publish the research, and maintain the official world rankings in all recognized napping disciplines.
The Case for Competitive Napping
Napping has been practiced by every human culture in recorded history. It has been studied, recommended, and celebrated by physicians, researchers, and heads of state. And yet it has never — until now — been subjected to the rigorous competitive framework it deserves.
The Institute was founded in Zurich in 1931, at the depths of the global economic crisis, by a small group of academics, exhausted industrialists, and one retired admiral who had reached the same conclusion independently: if the world was going to fall apart anyway, it might as well do so well-rested. The founding motto — The world does not rest. The Institute does. — has guided our work through two world wars, the Cold War, the internet, and several additional crises the historical record does not yet have names for.
The Institute was founded on a straightforward premise: if a human activity is worth doing, it is worth doing excellently. If it is worth doing excellently, it is worth measuring. If it is worth measuring, it is worth competing at.
We measure. We compete. We rank.
Recognized Disciplines
Sprint Nap
Under 20 minutes. Judged on onset speed, depth achievement, and clean recovery. The most technically demanding discipline.
Competition rules →Marathon Nap
Four hours minimum. Judged on sustained depth, absence of disruption, and controlled emergence. Requires significant preparation.
Competition rules →Relay Nap
Team event. Four nappers, sequential handoffs without full group awakening. The only discipline with a social dimension.
Competition rules →Upcoming Sanctioned Events
World Sprint Nap Championship — Qualifying Round
Oslo, Norway · Sprint Nap · Open division
Kyoto Open — Marathon Division
Kyoto, Japan · Marathon Nap · Invitation only
Pan-American Relay Championships
Mexico City, Mexico · Relay Nap · Team qualifying
CNJ Certification Examination — Spring Cohort
Remote · Certification · Open enrollment
Full event calendar available to members. Event sanctioning applications open 90 days before event date.
Current World Rankings (Selected)
| Rank | Athlete | Discipline | Region | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Holloway | Sprint | Northern Europe | 2,847 |
| 2 | Y. Takahashi | Marathon | East Asia | 2,791 |
| 3 | F. Okonkwo | Sprint | West Africa | 2,734 |
| 4 | The Lund Collective | Relay | Scandinavia | 2,698 |
| 5 | C. Beaumont-Reyes | Marathon | Mediterranean | 2,651 |
Rankings updated following each sanctioned event. Full rankings available to members.
Become a Member
Members receive access to full rankings, sanctioned event listings, research publications, and eligibility for certification programs.
Apply for Membership →