Sleep Hygiene
September 14, 2023
Did you know that your sleep affects your grades? According to a February 2023 Washington Post article, the less you sleep every night, the lower your grade-point average will be. The National Academy of Science completed a two-year study of college student sleep habits and found that poor sleep directly impacted grades.
The National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society state that adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. But, 60% of college students get less than seven. Better sleep does more than just help you learn more effectively; it boosts your immune system, improves your mood and lowers your risk of weight gain.
If you aren’t getting enough quality sleep, here are some tips that may help, courtesy of Harvard University:
- Limit caffeine close to bed time. College students should also avoid alcohol intake, which disrupts quality sleep.
- Avoid your electronic devices (phone, laptop, tablet) within an hour of bedtime.
- Exercise, but avoid intense exercise within two hours of bedtime.
- Establish a sleep schedule. Be consistent about going to bed and waking up at the same time.
- Create a wind-down routine before going to bed.
Need more help? Make an appointment with Mount Marty Student Counseling Services. Email Counseling Services Director, Keley Smith-Keller at keley.smith-keller@mountmarty.edu.
sources:
- CNET.com (August 22, 2023). https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/college-students-more-sleep-can-help-you-get-better-grades/
- Washington Post (February 2, 2023). https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/13/sleep-college-hours-gpa-grades/
For more information:
Check out this Youtube video: How Well Do College Students Sleep? We Asked, They Answered at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06zbvkivqSQ
To make a counseling appointment with Keley Smith-Keller, Director of Counseling Services, email her
at keley.smith-keller@mountmarty.edu.