College Sleeping Tips
Starting college is a very exciting and nerve-wracking time in every student’s life. Juggling classes while building new friendships and learning how to adapt on your own is pretty scary all at once. Healthy choices aren’t always the first priority, but to have a successful college education and retain information, sleep should take precedent. Creating a sleep schedule can help you remain receptive and alert and keep you from stressing through finals. Try these five sleep tips to ensure you are getting the most out of your education, as well as enjoying the benefits of college life.
1. Maintain a Sleep Schedule
Your days are typically full of class, homework, hanging out with friends and working, and it’s different every day. Increase the odds of having a well-rested night by maintaining a consistent bedtime.
2. Create a Routine
Creating a schedule for the evening offers the mind and body signals that bedtime is close and it’s time to wind down. Perhaps try some light reading or get organized for the next day; keep it simple and stress free. Try turning off all gadgets and devices that could distract you from a good night’s sleep, and substitute it with a relaxing shower or bath. These signs of an approaching bedtime can help you fall and stay asleep.
3. Give Up All-Nighters
Studying all night has been shown to not be very effective, even though many do it. It is possible to be so exhausted that you can no longer retain the information you are trying to learn. Studying periodically with small breaks in between can be more effective. Going into an exam sleep deprived will make it harder to concentrate and dull your senses. Studying early and getting adequate rest will enhance your test-taking abilities.
4. Don’t Do Homework in Bed
Studying or doing homework in bed is very confusing to the brain. Bed is where you sleep or go to unwind and relax. Homework is the exact opposite; you are sending mixed signals to the brain, which can make it more difficult for you to focus on the assignment that needs to be completed.
5. Taking Naps
Try and give yourself time to nap as a reward for getting up early and being productive. Small cat naps earlier in the day are a great way to reboot and energize yourself for the rest of the day and the tasks that need to be completed. As a student, napping may not be allotted as an everyday reward, but sleep should always be high up there in your priorities to maintain your health. Every one of us is different, but on average, most of us need around seven-to-nine hours of sleep nightly.