It’s 11pm. You have an essay due tomorrow that’s been in the procrastination pile for weeks. You’re also very tired and with every blink of the eye, you move closer into la-la land.This is a scene that either you’ve starred in, or witnessed. Late nights take a toll on both your body and mind and have serious side effects:
Grumpy: Unless you’re one of Snow White’s dwarf friends, this is a mood you want to avoid entirely. No one wants to be known as the person who makes everyone else’s’ day miserable—so don’t be that person. Not getting enough shut eye every night downs your mood, making you more likely to snap at everything that moves.
Lack of energy: Ever found yourself dragging your feet around after a long night? The body uses those 8 hours you should be getting to rejuvenate, conserve energy, and get you ready for a new day. If you’re running on 4-5 hours a night, you can also find yourself unmotivated to do things, and even have more depressing thoughts.
Weight gain: The more you stay up, the more likely you are to reach for those Doritos to keep you company as you do work.
Did you know that your metabolism can also be thrown off? When the levels of insulin (a hormone important for metabolism) are spiked. In other words, the body can’t use fat for energy, and instead begins to store it. This added weight may find itself settling on your midsection. Spring and summer break are just around the corner, and you don’t want to pack on the extra pounds just before.
Concentrate!: Instead of paying attention to that important lecture, you’ll find yourself daydreaming about traveling the world. You won’t be in your best mindset if your brain isn’t well rested.
Headaches: This is perhaps the most uncomfortable feeling; that incessant throbbing pain in your head that you can’t seem to get rid of. If you find yourself with a headache, think back to the night before—how many hours of sleep did you get? I personally experience headaches after thinking I can run on 4 hours of sleep—big mistake.
While some may think it is impossible for a college student to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night, it is in fact quite possible. Set up a set schedule; this way, you can tell yourself that you have to go to bed at this time, so that you can get a good amount of sleep.
So, Collegiates, do your mind and body a favor… get some shut eye!