One question anyone could confidently ask a college student could be something along the lines of, “how many times did you nod off in class today?” or “skipped class to sleep?”. This is because college students are prone to lacking a proper sleep cycle.
Sleep is essential for individuals to function properly. It doesn’t matter what setting someone is in because if you are tired, you are tired. Not only does an unsteady cycle negatively impact a student’s academic success, it can be detrimental to ones mental and physical health.
You may be thinking to yourself, “well how exactly is my body affected when I am sleep deprived?” For starters, your physical health drastically suffers. After a prolonged period of time, your body’s ability to complete daily tasks with ease decreases the longer one goes without proper sleep.
We are currently in a society that is constantly on the go, and due to that we tend to burn ourselves out. While we are in our twenties, it is important for us to pave the road to our future. Do you want to be continuously burnt out? I for one, do not. This is why it is so crucial to fix our sleeping patterns!
It would be hypocritical for me to say I am someone who has my sleep schedule mastered. I am full time college student, someone who works overnight shifts on the weekends, with the responsibility of completing my school work, having a social life, and trying to make some time for myself. I have pulled way too many all nighters then I would like to admit to, and I have felt the drainage I put on my physical and mental health when I am not sleeping properly.
On top of not being able to complete simple tasks, one could negativity impact their mental health. A few common psychological effects based on sleep deprivation include depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar disorder.
One of the best things we can do for our bodies and minds is to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Our sleeping patterns are the root to our self care routine, because our sleep is what rejuvenates our minds and bodies.
A few examples on how one could improve their quality of rest is by avoiding caffeinated foods and drinks once it’s afternoon time, limiting late night technology usage, as well as actually taking the time to unwind your mind and body before your actual bedtime.
Are you still not convinced on why you should try and get a proper sleeping cycle in place? Well, it is a proven fact that students with such a schedule have an overall higher grade point average. Also, it is more likely to prevent diseases and increase one’s lifespan.
I believe a steady sleep cycle is most important because of the positive effects it has on individuals emotional and mental health. While surviving our twenties, it is so crucial to keep that part of ourselves beaming with positivity. Our sleeping patterns is what determines how successful we can truly be.
I personally think that there is not enough of emphasis on exactly how important sleep is to individuals, especially students. If you have factual information on why you should not be lacking on your sleep cycle, then take that knowledge to your advantage and watch a better version of yourself develop.
amanda rose 