A study conducted by the National Institute of Health found that college students are one of the most sleep-deprived populations. It makes sense because between going to class, studying, socializing, working out, running on-campus clubs and organizations, working, etc. there are hardly enough hours in the day to get accomplish everything. Oftentimes, college students choose to sacrifice sleep rather then cutting back on their commitments, which is a major disservice to their bodies. Consistent nights of restful sleep reap a multitude of benefits, which include: reduced stress, increased focus in class, which leads to better grades, higher energy levels, better health and therefore less days spent sick.
Here are tips on how to ensure you get a good night sleep:
· Set a consistent sleep schedule, which allows you to get 7-8 hours of sleep
· Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening
· Avoid daytime naps: if you must take one make sure it is before 3 pm and only 30 minutes
· Don’t rely on the weekend to catch up on sleep: this messes up your sleep pattern. It is best to have a sleep schedule that permits you to get enough sleep every night.
· Read a book or magazine: Doing so will not only make you tired but it will also give yourself a chance to read for pleasure. If you find yourself getting too wrapped up in your book and that you end up staying up much later then you planned, then pull out your Chemistry or Psychology book and you will be out in no time.
· Listen to soothing music
· Don’t study in bed: your body will then get used to studying in bed and it will make it harder for you to fall asleep because you will associate your bed with studying instead of sleeping.
· Meditate: I know you are probably thinking that you would never do this in a million years but it is actually very soothing. It helps relax your mind, which might be hard to quiet when you try to sleep. Sit on the floor or on a cushion, set a time for 15-20 mins, close your eyes and voila!
· Take a hot shower
· Take Melatonin: On nights when I have already convinced myself that I will not be able to sleep and end up tossing and turning for at least an hour, I take 3 grams of melatonin. It is all natural and works with your body’s sleep cycle to help put you to sleep. It is much better to take then Advil PM.
Make sure to get to sleep… you do not want this to be you!
Sources:
http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=659
http://www.campusmindworks.org/students/self_care/sleep.asp