College students impacted by sleep deprivation

by Andy Garvin, news editor

 

Most people need six to eight hours of sleep to function properly, according to someexperts.

Between studying, partying, and classes, sleep deprivation and college students go hand in hand. Studies have found that approximately 20 percent of college students suffer from sleeping disorders. Students who suffer from sleep disorders can experience irritability, anxiety and weight gain.

It is not unusual for students to adopt awkward sleeping patterns when leaving their homes for their dorm rooms. Noisy roommates, work, poor scheduling, and social life are many reasons students never make it under the covers.

“I am always up late writing essays or studying for tests,” said Steven Oullette, a sophmore at South Plains College. “I might have a hard time getting up, but it seems like by the time I get into bed, it’s already time to get up.”

Studying, or in most cases, cramming, for exams leave students stressed and wide awake. But the number one reason for sleep deprivation in students between the ages of 18 and 24 is excessive partying.

“I think the main reasons students lose sleep is because they are worried about finding a job,” said Aaron Deloera, a freshman at SPC. “These are the most important years of our lives.”

Students who lose sleep for long periods of time are endangering their bodies. Seizures, strokes, and heart attacks are all possible  consequences. Students losing sleep for a short period of time will face exhaustion and irritability. Short-term sleep loss may be the reason why some college students pack on the dreaded “freshman 15,” a weight-gain phenomenon common among new college students.

Alcohol is a vice many college students have, and drinking this intoxicating liquid can cause drowsiness. It also may actually reduce the amount of quality sleep in the long run. It can cause one to wake up numerous times during the night, preventing the body from getting enough deep sleep that it needs to function properly.

Energy drinks, caffeine pills, coffee, and soft drinks are the usual stimulants students ingest to prevent insomnia. But digesting these could actually worsen the problem. Ritalin and Adderall, drugs normally prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder, has also been known to find their way into the hands of sleep-deprived students. These drugs should not be used without a doctor’s consent.  Other drugs students may take that affect sleep include certain anti-depressants, diet pills, illegal drugs, nicotine, oral contraceptives containing hormones, and steroids. 

The number one recommendation from doctors to prevent sleep deprivation is to exercise. Exercising can help establish a healthier sleeping pattern and could make it easier to fall asleep at the end of the day. It is important to note that one should not exercise right before bed, as excercising stimulates the body and will make falling asleep difficult for a few hours.

Naps are helpful, but only if planned properly. Experts suggest taking naps only once a day in the early afternoon, and for no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Taking long naps affects the ability to fall asleep at bedtime.

Experts also recommend setting a few days aside for a full night’s sleep. If getting at least eight hours of sleep every night is not feasible, getting eight hours one or two days a week will help prevent long-term health issues.