Whether you’re struggling to pull your eyes away from your favorite TV series or simply staying up until the wee hours of the morning studying for your next comprehensive exam, there’s a good chance that you’re shortchanging yourself by sacrificing a valuable opportunity to sleep.
Pulling all-nighters in an effort to achieve academic success can quickly backfire. If you’ve been burning the midnight oil, there are a number of powerful reasons why you should consider getting some shut-eye on a regular schedule starting tonight. Below, we’ll tell you why plenty of sleep is essential for academic success and give you tips on how to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
- Poor sleep habits may be associated with lower GPAs.
In order to make the most of your post-secondary education, you’re likely seeking to keep your GPA as high as possible – but that can be difficult if you’re not getting the sleep you need. As a matter of fact, according to a variety of research, poor sleep may be linked to a decrease in GPA, indicating that late-night cramming might not be your best opportunity for acing next week’s exam. - Sleep deprivation affects your ability to concentrate, learn and remember.
One of the key benefits of securing a good night’s rest is that it helps maximize your ability to pay attention to lectures, group meetings and other important events you may attend throughout the day. Likewise, adequate rest improves your likelihood of being able to retain what you learned through these events. - Sleep habits affect your mood.
It’s not just your ability to learn that changes according to your sleeping habits. You may also discover that an inadequate amount of sleep can lead to tension and irritability, which may impact everything from your relationships with fellow students to your ability to complete homework.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule
Now that the effects of poor sleep habits are clear, here are a few tips that can help you lock in the sleep you need. In general, college students’ sleep schedules should include around seven to nine hours of rest per night. To achieve these hours:
- Stop using electronic devices, including your phone, at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
- Try to exercise each day at least three to four hours before you go to sleep.
- Spend some time in the daylight to help regulate your body’s natural sleep cycle.
- Stick to a regular meal schedule, and avoid eating large meals before going to sleep.
- Restrict caffeine use to the morning.
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