College Guidebook: Sleeping for Better Health
By Debra Rodzinak
While in college, many students find that they are not getting enough sleep. Endless hours juggling class, work, and a social life can lead to a lack of sleep. Try these tips for better sleep and overall better health.
Naps
A short nap can work wonders on a low energy level. Just don’t nap too long or too close to bedtime or it may disrupt the nightly sleep cycle.
Bedroom
Keep the bedroom for sleep and not for work. When working in bed, sleep can be harder to obtain. If a student finds that their space is confined to one room, try to dedicate a space for work and a space for sleep.
Full Night’s Sleep
Most people need 7 to 8 hours of sleep to function to their full potential the following day. If possible, try to get the recommended hours of sleep every night.
Scheduling
Try to keep sleep hours the same even when attending classes or working at different times. Keeping the same sleep schedule makes it easier to get a good night’s sleep.
Lack of Sleep
Not getting the required amount of sleep, especially over several nights, can reduce the ability to concentrate on classwork and affect mood. Mistakes can be made when sleep deprived that would not have been made if sufficient sleep was obtained.
Roommates
When someone else is sharing a small space, disrupted sleep can be a huge problem. Talking about dedicated quiet times with roommates can help both parties get the required sleep needed.
All Nighters
Studying all night may seem like a good idea to pass a test. After all, the more time a person spends studying, the better they do on tests. However, not getting enough sleep can thwart any attempt to do well. Sleeping well before a test is actually better than pulling an all-nighter.
Routine
Creating a routine at bedtime helps those who are having trouble falling asleep. The brain can be taught that bedtime is near and it is time to get into sleep mode. Practicing a routine for a few weeks should help those who struggle to fall asleep.
Midnight Snack
Consuming foods with caffeine or alcohol can keep a person up and throw off the internal clock. Digesting food takes energy and takes away from the body’s ability to relax for sleep. Limit consumption of these types of foods several hours before sleep.
Dark and Quiet
With busy college campuses, many find it hard to block out light and noise. Invest in blackout curtains, ear plugs, soft music, or a sleep mask to help eliminate excess light and noise.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.