Students nap at a primary school in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, on April 14. [Photo/IC]

Some primary and middle school students in Gongshu district, Hangzhou started attending a special class during their noon break on April 12, local media outlets reported.

However, the "class" is not what most people would expect, as students are encouraged to nap from 12:30pm to 1:10pm every day in preparation for afternoon classes.

Six schools in Gongshu district are currently trying out the new class. Students can take pillows, quilts and more items necessary for sleeping in classrooms, reading rooms, or gymnasiums. Sleeping areas marked blue are for boys and those marked pink are for girls.

An official from the education bureau of Gongshu district said the class aims to alleviate students' academic pressure and provide them with more comfortable places to sleep other than at their desks.

The official added that students who are energetic and do not need a nap can spend their midday break at other designated areas, listening to music or reading books.

"Naps are not a requirement. Students can choose to do as they place," said Qian Juanping, principal of Desheng Primary School.

Gongshu district is planning to offer a noon break class at all primary and middle schools in the near future.

A classroom is set up for students to nap during their midday break. [Photo/CFP]