The simple answer is, YES! This is a question that almost everyone struggles with, whether they realize it or not. I have recently been focusing on sleep a lot more. As I learn more about it, I have noticed I am not the only one who struggles with getting proper sleep each night. Little kids often try to fight and push back their bedtime for TV or games. As people grow older, teenagers try to stay on phone or play video games until late at night. From toddlers to teenagers, everyone keeps hearing “Time for bed!”, very often from their parents. If they ask why, the answer is either “Sleep is important” or “You’ll be tired tomorrow”. But no one ever explains why. The cycle keeps going on from an early age and unfortunately many people never actually understand the depth of it. Every time someone is contemplating whether to sleep or do any other activity, they always neglect sleep. Lack of sleep doesn’t only make people tired, it actually slowly keeps damaging our body and mind from inside.
Now you’re probably wondering “What’s new in that? We’ve heard these things as kids already.”
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Well, when it comes to us college students, we often think “Now we’re older and have so many more important things to get done! It’s okay if I sleep a little less.” Sometimes we don’t even have to think about it, just the number of assignments we have left keeps us up at night. Getting the project submitted on time automatically sounds way more important than sleeping for 6-8 hours. You keep telling yourself “It’s okay I can sleep more after these exams.” But suddenly you have a party to attend after midterms or finals week. You tell yourself again “Okay, I’ll sleep more after the parties are done.” Soon, it’s work and school all over again and no time to get that good night sleep. Do you know how many hours of sleep you got this week? Do you think it is enough?
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Students often plan many new things to start after graduation, but proper sleep is something that is needed at all times. It’s not something to start after 20-25 years of disorganized life routines. After a certain time, our body starts to struggle to get sleep whenever we want. Following an inconsistent routine can cause sleep deprivation and insomnia which might never go away. This can also lead to depression, anxiety, stress, chronic fatigue etc. No matter how healthy you eat and how much you work out, without a proper sleep your physical and mental health willalways be compromised!
The scary truth!
The truth is, it is never a good time to start something new or to practice a new habit. In this busy life, we have to get things done as we think of them. Planning for later never works in these situations. The solution is to divide up your sleep schedule just like you divide your schoolwork or other jobs. You have an assignment due next morning? Go ahead and stay up to finish it, but keep track of how much sleep you are losing. Make up for that sleep once you’ve submitted the work.
One set schedule might not work because we always have something new to do. You might have a birthday to attend the next day, so set a time after the party for a power nap. Just like every other deadline and list of chores you put on your schedule, put in your sleep hours as well. Check off your to-do list before sleeping so your brain stays calm and stress free when you try to sleep. Turn away from all types of devices at least half an hour before bed and dim the lights so your body and mind can get into a peaceful sleep mood. Lastly, sum up the total of sleep hours you get every week and see what works the best for you! Even if you don’t notice the positive results right away, it will definitely be extremely beneficial in the long run. I know it has helped me!