How to Get Enough Sleep in College
By Sara Butler
College is an interesting time in a person's life. It's filled with friends and fun, but also late night cramming sessions with a few unhealthy sleep habits thrown into the mix. When you're in college, sleep may not be high on your priority list -- but it should be. Here are some strategies to help you (or someone you know in college) make time for a little shuteye without missing out on other important commitments, both social and educational.
You Need It
When you're young it can be easy to overlook the crucial aspect of sleep. You may be under the impression that you don't need a lot of sleep to be functional -- that's what coffee is for, right? Not really.
The human brain needs sleep to function at its best. Without enough of it, you may have difficulty concentrating, causing your schoolwork to suffer. You also expose yourself to a higher chance of depression or other health conditions when you don't sleep enough. Sleep deprivation is real -- that's why it's used as a form of torture in some countries!
Understand that sleep is simply something you cannot go without and take action to make it a priority in your life.
Learn to Say No
One of the hardest things to learn in life is to say no to things. You fear you're going to miss out on something great, but the truth is that there will always be another party, another movie to go to, or another fun outing with friends -- you don't have to do it all.
Of course, it's not just social invitations you must learn to say no to, it's also learning how to put yourself and your health before schoolwork. Take the time to put the books away for an evening, take a warm bath or shower, and hit the hay early. This will set you up for better concentration and focus on your schoolwork the next day.
Create a Space for Sleep
Your room should be a place where your brain can power down. Create a space made for sleep with low lighting at a cool temperature. If you have loud roommates, invest in a pair of earplugs to help you shut out the world so you can get some quality shut-eye.
The college years are full of learning, but one of the most important things to learn is how to put yourself and your health first. Remember, the habits you form now will be with you for years to come, so make them good habits!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orlando, Fla.