It’s no secret that college students don’t get as much sleep as they should. During the week some of us stay up to do our work until the early hours of the morning, and on the weekend the celebration of simply not having classes causes us to stay out much later than normal. Some people like to take advantage of the occasional nap, but this still doesn’t make up for all the sleep that we are typically missing out on. So what is actually better to do for your body and your health?

The reasoning most students give for staying up is because they simply can’t finish all of their work during the day. Of course grades and GPA are important — they’re the whole reason we’re here — but it is also important to make sure that we are not doing damage to our bodies in the process of becoming successful.

According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard, in the short term, a lack of sleep can actually affect our “ability to learn and retain information.” So, in terms of pulling all-nighters right before exams, it’s still better for your body (and your grades) to study as much as you can until a reasonable hour and then get some sleep to let your mind rest and process the new information. Other things short-term sleep deprivation can affect are judgment and mood, and it can increase the risk of serious accidents or injury.

There are more negative aspects to sleep deprivation than just the things that happen to your body in the short term. Over time, people who consistently don’t get enough sleep can begin to suffer from more serious health problems that can eventually shorten their life span. Right now, it may seem like the most important thing for students to do is maintain a good GPA, stay involved, all while keeping up with our social lives. While all of these things are part of the college experience, and trying to lead a balanced lifestyle is always a good thing, your health should also be on your list of things to keep in good condition.

Time management is a big part of the solution. Use a planner to help figure out when you will work during the week, when you will clean, grocery-shop, and spend time with friends. Having a schedule or to do list to stick to can help you hold yourself accountable for doing everything you want to accomplish during the day and help you get a good night’s rest.