Going from late-night studying to early morning classes has become the new normal for most college students, but not getting enough sleep can do more harm than most students realize.
Between classes, part-time jobs, extracurriculars, hanging out with friends, and time spent scrolling on their phone, the proper amount of sleep often becomes an afterthought. Studies from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicate that insufficient sleep can result in decreased focus and lower academic performance.
“After two weeks of sleeping six hours or less a night, students feel as bad and perform as poorly as someone who has gone without sleep for 48 hours,” said Dr. Lawrence Epstein, medical director of Sleep Health Centers in Brighton, Massachusetts, in the study.
For most college students, getting a full night’s rest is challenging when trying to balance academics and extracurricular activities. Sophomore Ke’Amber Jones knows that challenge firsthand, as going to school and working a job often keeps her from getting a proper amount of sleep.
“I would say I get around five to six hours most nights,” she said. “Between working late shifts at my job and trying to stay on top of my prereq classes, it’s not always easy to get a full night’s rest.”
Jones College nurse practitioner Vicki Hampton says that students often come to her struggling to get the proper amount of sleep. She reminds students that it is important to get proper rest because it benefits them in more ways than one.
“Students ages 18 to 22 should get an average of seven to nine hours of sleep to promote ideal physical and mental health,” Hampton said.
Late nights are not just making students tired the next day. They have long-term effects as well. Most students try to deal with these long-term problems with short-term solutions. For many college students, the problem goes beyond just staying up too late.
“Insomnia is a problem we frequently encounter with college students,” Nurse Hampton said. “This can be caused by anxiety and depression or by increased levels of stress. It can also be caused by increased caffeine intake.”
For Ke’Amber, not getting enough sleep makes it difficult to stay positive and pay attention throughout the day.
“It definitely takes a toll at times,” she said. “When I don’t sleep enough, I feel drained, and it’s hard to stay focused during lectures, but when I actually get a decent amount of rest, I notice I have way more energy and I can pay attention better in class.
Getting good quality sleep is not just about how long one sleeps, but how one prepares to sleep as well. Creating a good sleeping environment can make a huge difference in getting the right amount of sleep. Limiting distractions can make falling asleep and staying asleep easier.
“Good sleep hygiene is key,” Hampton said. “Limit caffeine after lunch. Limit screen time to an hour before going to sleep. A good bedtime routine is helpful; for example, taking a warm shower, reading, or keeping lights low.”
Ke’Amber has noticed that when she gets more sleep, it does not just improve how she feels overall, but she can see improvement in her schoolwork.
“When I get more sleep, I’m way more motivated and my grades usually improve,” she said. “I will retain things better and feel more organized. But when I’m constantly tired from work and school, I lose focus and start procrastinating more.”
Getting enough rest may seem impossible for some college students, but even making small changes in their nightly routine can end up making a big difference in sleep quality, which can lead to a more productive day. After all, nothing can replace a good night’s rest.
by Jackson Vella
