We are all aware of how important sleep is and the effects it has on your body. However, most do not take it as seriously as they should. 50% of college students report daytime sleepiness and 70% receive insufficient sleep on a regular basis, according to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health. Sleep is essential in keeping the mind and body aligned to run smoothly in our favor. A constant lack of sleep can lead to problems such as an increased risk of academic failure, depression, and anxiety, as well as the efficiency to retain information learned throughout the day.
For most college students, getting a good night’s sleep is a hit or miss. The average student gets 5 to 6 hours of sleep, yet it is recommended that we get 7 to 8 hours of sleep to give our body the chance to reboot and prepare for the next day. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep is directly related to an increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as well as certain cancers. Pulling all-nighters for classes takes a bigger toll on your body than you think; the average person can go 16 hours without sleep before their mental state starts to deteriorate. Without sleep, our minds are not able to reboot and process the memories we make on a daily basis.
Take into consideration just how important sleep really is the next time you are up late on Netflix or at a party over the weekend. Your mental and physical health should come first, so be mindful of how much sleep you are getting each night because it truly makes a difference!