How To Get Sleep In College
What Happens When You’re Sleep Deprived?
Causes Unstable Blood Sugar and Weight Gain
Harms the Immune System
Hurts the Brain
At its most basic, being sleep deprived means that you aren’t getting enough sleep. It means that you aren’t spending enough time in bed, eyes closed, heartbeat and respiration rate lowered. And it means that your body is not getting to do all of the things it needs to do while you sleep.
College is a challenging time for sleep. Pulling all nighters, falling asleep in class, attending social functions, or simply staying up late texting or studying can all interfere with sleep on a regular basis. But while a late night here and there is easy to bounce back from, college students should be careful to regularly follow healthy sleep habits.
Q: How many hours should college students sleep each night?
A: The average college student requires eight hours of sleep or more.
Q: What’s the best time for college students to sleep?
A: Ideal bedtimes for healthy adults range from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Most college students are comfortable going to bed around midnight.
Q: Is it better to stay up all night and study for an exam or get a good night’s sleep?
A: Memory and recall functions perform much better after adequate sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may have trouble remembering what you studied the night before, not to mention the lessons covered weeks ago in class.
Q: Is it OK to fall asleep in class? What do professors think of students who sleep in class?
A: Falling asleep in class happens, whether you’re sleep deprived or simply bored. But it’s best to avoid it, as you can get in trouble with professors and miss important information. Professors may understand that college students often suffer from a lack of sleep, but most are irritated or annoyed even if they don’t show it outwardly. Falling asleep in class on a regular basis may be a sign that you’re not getting enough sleep, or even that you’re suffering from a sleep disorder.
Q: Can you catch up on sleep?
A: Short term sleep debt can be caught up on. That means if you have a bad night’s sleep, going to bed early the next day will help you make up for it. But long term sleep loss is gone forever. If you’re hoping to catch up on a week of sleep deprivation over the weekend, you’re out of luck.
Q: How can you make it through the day on little to no sleep?
A: Don’t hit the snooze button: it will not help. It may even make you feel groggier. Moderate caffeine, protein, breaks, and even a nap can help you make it through. Then, go to bed early if possible to make up for the sleep loss right away.
So, what about anxiety?
One of the main symptoms of anxiety disorders is sleep problems. The feelings of fear and anxiety triggered by these disorders activate the sympathetic nervous system. From tensed muscles to a faster heart rate, individuals experience a host of physical reactions that make them feel more awake. It’s tougher to fall and stay asleep, resulting in a vicious cycle where the person has one more thing to be anxious about – not getting enough sleep.