Sleep is a precious commodity which students can never quite seem to get enough of. Students often find there is little time for sleep as they juggle busy school schedules, demanding work hours and active social lives.
Depriving one’s body of sleep can have numerous negative affects, although experts say that sleep deprivation is one of the most avoidable ailments.
Amy Cavender, wellness education coordinator, counsels students who share this common problem.
Students rarely have chronic illnesses, they just need to make different choices, said Cavender. Drowsiness, fatigue, a short temper and a lower immune response are all possible results of sleep deprivation, said Cavender.
University Biological Sciences Professor Steven Pomarico said that poor sleeping habits are a common problem among college students.
Pomarico explained that chemicals in the brain regenerate and repair cells during the hours of sleep and this down time is needed for the body to refuel. The body is likely to become over-stressed if an individual does not get enough sleep.
Susceptibility to stress and an inability to concentrate and think clearly are both very common among sleep-deprived students, Pomarico said.
A lower immune response is a consequence of sleep deprivation, which could lead to more serious conditions.
When an individual does not get enough rest, the body must work over time and requires additional energy. This additional energy is pulled from other body processes, such as protection against infection, Pomarico explained. The immune system is unable to function properly when the body is challenged with this energy crunch, Pomarico said.
Cavender said that not getting enough rest not only compromises the individual’s health, but can also interfere with everyday life.
Those individuals who are deprived of sleep often experience mood swings and may experience increased clumsiness, Cavender said.
She added that students’ inability to obtain sufficient sleep may be attributed to everything from noisy neighbors to stress over an upcoming test.
There are several suggestions offered to those who can’t seem to snag enough shuteye.
According to www.sleeping-tips.com, cutting one’s alcohol, caffeine and food intake close to bedtime may help a person get to sleep. While those who have trouble sleeping may be advised to stay away from things like caffeine, there are some foods that may promote sleep.
What about that old saying if you can’t sleep, have yourself a nice warm glass of milk — is it legit?
Pomarico explained that there actually might be something behind this.
Milk contains tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting amino acid that has been proven to make individuals drowsy. Pomarico mentioned tryptophan is also found in turkey and triggers sleep.
While tips such as avoiding caffeine may seem obvious, there are other simple solutions which students may have never considered.
Cavender suggested that students examine various aspects of their lives in order to pinpoint any possible causes.
She advised students to examine any medications they are taking to ensure that this isn’t where the problem lies. Cavender said that some ADHD and anti-depressants could cause restlessness and an inability to sleep
Cavender also suggested that the bed be designated for sleep, and not homework. She said that often students find their bed a cozy place to catch up on schoolwork, but discourages students from doing so.
Doing homework in bed causes the body to associate it with a place for active work, not restful sleep, Cavender said.
A trend towards inadequate sleep could have lasting effects.
Occasional deviation from the recommended eight hours of sleep will cause no serious damage, Cavender said.
Sleep is a necessity, but people do live active lives and losing some sleep is bound to happen, Pomarico said. Students often have to rush to get everything done, Pomarico said. The problem comes in when students finish their rough week and decide to “relax” at the bars.
Pomarico suggests that before students go out to party they should give their bodies a day to rest.