It’s a challenge in college to pull late-nighters studying and still get enough sleep to function.
Adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a day, although individual needs vary. Lack of sleep can be a risk factor for many chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and depression. Students who work or study long hours may not get enough sleep at night. As a result, they may be sleepy and sluggish during the day and have trouble concentrating, participating in class, taking tests, or making decisions. Sleepiness can also cause car and machinery-related crashes, which cause significant rates of injury and disability each year. Driving while sleepy can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Both are preventable!
Quick Tips:
- Avoid large meals before bedtime.
- Have a good sleeping environment. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and relaxing.
- Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends.
- Avoid pulling an all-nighter to study.
- See your healthcare provider if you continue to have trouble sleeping.
| The is an excerpt adapted from the article, “College Health and Safety.” For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/. |
