A couple weeks ago, I was having major issues with concentrating and being motivated. I was exhausted all the time as well but assumed it was normal, because, you know, college. The only problem is it was so bad I was having trouble in classes and doing basic activities. I wanted to nap all the time. I realized I needed to change something, so I made an appointment with the Colgate Health Center and the first question the receptionist asked was, “How are you sleeping?” Hmmm. I guess I didn’t really think about how I had been sleeping. That night I noticed it took me over an hour to fall asleep and I woke up multiple times during the night. The next day, the normal feelings of tiredness and lack of interest in anything arose. Maybe all my problems were stemming from my lack of sleep?
After going to the health center and finding nothing was wrong in any of my blood tests, I figured sleep was probably tied to my issues. I read up on the importance of sleep on the American Psychological Association’s website and thought I would share some of the things I have learned. I learned that sleepiness alters effective decision making. One to four percent of all car accidents are due to sleepiness. Alcohol and drug use have a connection to teenagers who had poor sleeping habits as preschoolers. Lack of sleep causes irritability, moodiness and loss of inhibition. Long periods of lack of sleep can result in apathy, slowed speech and impaired memory. These are pretty serious things.
Sleep is so important. In college, it is easy to not care about sleep and think that only a few hours a night is normal and you can get away with it. In reality, putting the books aside and getting in a few more zzz’s is what is better for your health. Since I was having sleep problems I asked my mom for some advice as to how to improve it. She is an internist practicing in California and knew exactly what to do. She recommends no caffeine after 12:00 pm, and a half hour before sleep drink herbal tea (you can find tea for sleep at the pharmacy), take calcium and magnesium supplements, and melatonin. Advil PM is also a good option, but I have noticed that the other stuff works great. After making those changes, my attitude perked up and I felt motivated to get work done and participate in activities.
Initially, it was hard to let go of the napping but after a good night of sleep, I knew that it would be difficult to have a good sleep regimen were I to take naps during the day. Cutting those out helped me so much. It was also good because I could get more work done during the day rather than late at night. I cannot emphasize enough how important sleep is for people, especially college students. Our lives are so stressful and the right amount of sleep can keep you on top of your game and in a good mood to do things. Think about how you are sleeping; maybe it is time to make a change.
