Maintaining sleep in college is H.A.R.D. From exams to extracurriculars, barre classes and bar hops, we seem to be on a never-ending race to catch-up with our sleep. The delivery of Arianna Huffington’s “The Sleep Revolution” during finals week was perhaps the best gift I could have received. Her book has begun to change the way I look at rest, and the kit is definitely my favorite Her Campus collaboration to date. Here are three things Arianna Huffington has taught me about respecting my body and giving it the sleep it needs.
1. Sleep is essential for my mental health.
For someone who has battled severe anxiety and panic disorder, figuring out ways to treat with my mental health is a constant interest of mine. Huffington notes that sleep deprivation has a strong connection to “practically every mental health disorder we know of.”
2. Our culture’s use of sleeping pills will cause more issues than smoking
Sure, I pop an occasional Tylenol PM when stressed and need help calming my mind. But Huffington says that regardless the consistency of use, sleeping pills have a strong and worrisome link between other health conditions, including cancer.
3. Losing sleep is EXPENSIVE
Think your extra hour of work or occasional 2am study session can’t take a toll on more than your body? This loss of sleep adds up to a lack of productivity– nearly eleven days worth of work!
So while I am tempted to stay up tonight and watch one more episode of “Quantico” because I’m so close to being caught up, I will force myself to do a few things for a better night’s rest. First, I promise to turn my computer/iPhone/iPad/TV off at least half an hour before bed. Second, I will charge my electronics outside my bedroom. Finally, I will allow myself to shut off my crazy thoughts regarding work and school so that my room can become a sacred place devoted to lovely nights of sleep. Who’s joining me tonight on this sleep mission? Happy sleeping, Collegiettes!