Somnology. (2021, May 4). College students and sleep deprivation. Somnology MD. https://www.somnologymd.com/2018/09/college-sleep-deprivation/
Sleep deprivation is the most common issue preventing students from succeeding academically, affecting 73 percent of students nationwide.
Sleep deprivation is when a person has an irregular quality or quantity of sleep per night, which may later become chronic if it is not handled. Usually, students aged 13-18 should get approximately 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, that is not the case for most students.
Initially, thousands upon thousands of students struggle to wake up or even function throughout the school day. Many students have similar experiences, which can be due to anything ranging from studying all night to not sleeping at a certain time. Although education is vital, so is student health, however, unfortunately, many students do not come to terms with their health in the beginning. Likewise, students who decide to sleep late are not aware of their surroundings, for example, a cell phone device, and how much it can impact their sleep schedule. It is known that the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle, melatonin, is suppressed by the blue light emitted by cell phone screens, making it even more difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day.
These are just the common effects of sleep deprivation; however, what are the long-term effects?
Students are unbothered by the fact that they do not get enough sleep until serious effects start to appear. Unfortunately, as it develops, sleep deprivation gets agitating and is too difficult to control. As mentioned, those who do not get the required amount of sleep tend to not do as well in academics because of the constant tiredness they experience.
It is known that those who get more sleep tend to learn, memorize, retain, recall, and be more innovative, thus benefiting their academic life. As time progresses, so will the severity of one's sleep deprivation as it will accompany them in their adult life. Students have to consider the health problems that come along with a lack of sleep, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, and being more prone to injuries.
How can someone resolve or keep away from sleep deprivation? Students should not fear sleep deprivation as long as they are getting close to eight hours of sleep each night. However, those who do not want to alter their sleep should look into sleeping earlier than they usually do every night. At first, it may be a challenge since the human body is already so used to the chaotic sleep schedule. Although with time, a noticeable change will emerge. Coffee is a popular wake-up drink among high school students in the morning. Caffeine consumption, however, makes this problem worse by preventing the body from expressing its need.
A key factor in fixing and maintaining one's sleeping schedule is consistency. Once you’ve got an effective routine, stick to it. The National Sleep Foundation recommends, “You should stop using electronic devices, like your cellphone, at least 30 minutes before bedtime.”
Remember to stay motivated, improve your sleeping habits, and, most importantly, remember that health always comes first!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, May 29). Sleep and health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/sleep.htm#:~:text=Children%20and%20 adolescents%20who%20 do,poor%20 mental%20health%2C%20and%20 injuries.&text=They%20are%20 also%20 more%20 likely,poor%20academic%20 performance%20in%20school.
Department of Health & Human Services. (2003, November 26). Sleep deprivation. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-deprivation
Juliann Garey. (2021, October 12). Why are teenagers so sleep-deprived? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/teenagers-sleep-deprived/#:~:text=The%20 major%20 reasons%20for%20speed,have%20to%20get%20to%20school.
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