How to Get a Better Nights Sleep
Maintaining a healthy balance in college is hard. With exams, assignments, essays, clubs, staying in shape, and going out, time management is essential. Since coming to college, I have realized the importance of getting enough sleep and how it can affect our mental and physical health. Sleep patterns in college are unpredictable, some days you may stay up late and have to wake up early for your 8 am class. Or, you may wake up late in the afternoon and wonder where the heck the day went. Although it’s hard to maintain a consistent sleep pattern, there are many ways to get a better quality sleep that can help you take on each day.
1. Cut the caffeine and sugar
A few hours before bed, cut back on the amount of caffeine you drink. It’s important to be mindful of the caffeine hidden in drinks such as soda and tea. To my fellow coffee lovers, switch to decaf at night. Also, sugary foods such as chocolate and ice cream, are likely to keep you up later than you intended. With these changes, you will be able to fall asleep quicker have a better shot at getting a full eight hours.
2. Exercise
Getting exercise can help boost energy throughout the day and allow you to get a more restful sleep. Exercising can also help reduce stress, which is a major cause of insomnia.
3. Get rid of the electronics
The blue light emitted by phones and computers prevent the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep/wake cycle. Reducing this hormone makes it harder to fall and stay asleep. Instead, read a book, do a face mask, organize your room, or whatever you like!
4. Stop nap time
Yes, we all love taking naps between classes, but it can affect our ability to sleep at night. Instead, keep naps from 20-30 minutes and go to bed at a normal hour.