Amping up the amount of sleep you get is important around back-to-school time. With all of the demands that comes with going back-to-school, it’s important to prioritize sleep above many, many other things. Sleep is especially important for college students, as you can’t perform properly without recharging.
Most adults think the necessary amount of sleep is around eight hours, but it’s actually six to 10, depending on the person. Without enough sleep, these problems may develop over time and cause your grades to drop:
Unhealthy Immune System
If your body keeps going without any rest, it becomes overworked, which damages your physical health and impacts your immune system. You’ll develop a higher risk of catching a cold or the flu, and that’s not fun during finals week.
Memory, Focus and Attention
Without proper sleep, adults develop irritability, impaired brain function and a short attention span. Add those problems to your research papers, deadlines and exams. Soon it becomes harder to focus, your work isn’t A+ material and you’re constantly in a bad mood. If you want to perform better at school, sleep is a surefire way to lift your spirits and maybe your GPA.
Weight Gain
Lack of sleep creates hormonal imbalances, which can mess with your diet. You’ll find yourself craving high-calorie foods and losing appetite. This isn’t good when sleep loss already increases anxiety. You could develop the bad habit of stress-eating.
Maintain a Sleep Schedule
If your rest hours are all over the place, your internal body clock gets confused. When you actually want to sleep, you might find it difficult. Create a fixed schedule for bedtime and wakeup time. Eventually your body gets used to the routine, and it’ll be easier to fall asleep. Some apps are great for helping you manage a schedule.
Exercise
It’s not just for preventing the freshman 15. Exercise relieves stress and boosts energy so you can sleep better. Perform strenuous activity like power walking, jogging or aerobics during the day, preferably in the late afternoon, for more restful sleep. To relax before bed, do calming exercises like stretching or yoga.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
The start of a new semester means new things to worry about. Give your brain a chance to unwind and focus on something menial after a long day. If you’re stressing about things you might forget or need to do tomorrow, make a to-do list. Write it down and put it away so that it’s organized and out of your head. Do some light reading, clean your room or watch TV. As soon as you feel a little tired, hop back into bed and turn out the lights.
If you really want a good night’s sleep, start utilizing these tips as soon as possible. It’s tough, but you’ll avoid all-nighters and a load of stress when you get things done early.
For more information, reach out to us at aidanm@restwell.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Pure Energy Sleep System™ mattresses are manufactured in Canada by Restwell Sleep Products. Founded in 1990, Restwell Sleep Products is a manufacturer of mattresses and box springs with two factories in Canada. The Restwell brand is known for quality, value, and comfort, and we take pride in the fact that our mattresses are Canadian made, with high quality standards and attention to detail.
