Spring semester is upon us and students are now getting familiar with their schedules after parting ways with a lengthy winter break. While the transition can be difficult to switch from relaxation mode to hardworking, getting the right amount of sleep can help determine how healthy and successful your semester will go. Many students like to stay up late or sleep in and take naps throughout the day, but this does not correlate well with their scheduled classes and work.
You all have probably noticed you no longer need a full 10 hours of sleep like you did when you were younger. In fact, most students run off of 5 hours of sleep…and Starbucks. In actuality, the average adult needs around 7 to 8 hours of sleep to be well-rested. Not getting enough sleep can disrupt your daily activities by having mood swings, getting drowsy throughout the day, having difficulties completing tasks, and overall moving physically and mentally slower. All of these negative outcomes could reflect poorly on students’ progress in school. So, how do students overcome their urges to “pull an all-nighter” or take a nap in between classes? Balancing school work with adulthood can be stressful and the key to taming this lifestyle is time management.
Time management can help you receive the correct amount of sleep each night and obtain the benefits. Try keeping a planner or reminders on your phone via email for the day and plan accordingly. Give yourself enough time to complete all your tasks and still get to bed at a reasonable time. Keeping scheduled alarms and timers can be very useful to help students wake up in the morning and stay updated with their daily schedule.
Here is a list of benefits from using time management to achieve a full night’s rest.
- Heightens ability to concentrate and stay alert
- Enhance memory and problem solving skills
- Prevents mood swings and lowers risks of depression
- Strengthens your immune system
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Helps balance a healthy amount of food consumption
It can be hard to get your body adjusted to your new sleep schedule. You might still find yourself having a hard time falling asleep at night. In moments like these, try these tips before bed to help relax your mind and body.
- Practice deep breathing
- Read or listen to an audiobook
- Listen to relaxing music
- Use aromatherapy oils
- Practice mindful meditation
- Reflect on your day through journaling
Getting a full night’s rest can help benefit your mental and physical health, and assure that you are focused and giving each school day your best efforts.
Written By: Kayla Pool
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