Importance of Sleep for Students: 14 Tips for Getting Better Sleep

If it only takes you 5 minutes to fall asleep, you fall under the category of sleep deprivation, Ideally, it should take you about 10-15 minutes to fall asleep. 

Sleep is complicated, especially considering your diet, family history, sleeping arrangements, and other reasons that could have an impact on how much shut-eye you get.

You might wonder what is the importance of sleep anyway especially if you rest up on the weekend? Read this guide on the importance of sleep for students and how to get more shut-eye throughout the week!

1. Use School Resources

Some colleges will have relaxation centers that include sleep packs, massage chairs, and more. If your college doesn’t have this, you can buy eye masks, soothing tea, and earplugs. Consider playing relaxing music to help you fall fast asleep. 

2. Create a Comfortable Environment

Be sure that you have a high-quality mattress and sheets in your room. Don’t have any lights on since they can disrupt your sleep. 

For noisy areas, consider having white noise machines. Headphones or earplugs are another option. 

Consider pleasing scents, like lavender and other essential oils. Check the temperature to be sure that it’s not too hot or cold as well. If you must choose one, opt for a cooler bedroom.

Before you sleep with your mattress on the floor, it’s vital that you have a healthy sleeping environment. A lack of focus isn’t just bad for grades, but it’s terrible for your overall health. You could be increasing the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and being in an accident.  

3. Come up With a Pre-Bedtime Routine

Stay off electrics before bed since they can disrupt sleep time. That includes using the television, looking at your phone, or browsing on your laptop.

Lower the lights in the room to make it more relaxing. 

Relax for at least half an hour before bed. Whether that’s stretches, meditation, or listening to soothing music. 

4. Lie Down When It’s Time To Go to Sleep

Only lie down when it’s time to go to sleep. If after about 15 minutes you still can’t fall asleep, consider going into another room.

Only return to bed when you’re ready to sleep. Without doing this, you might wind up associating your bed with annoyance over not being able to sleep. 

5. Avoid Caffeine

Avoid caffeine for at least five hours before bed. Caffeine could impact your sleep quality overall. Stay away from nicotine before bed as well. 

6. Limit Naps

Long naps can cause damage to your circadian rhythm, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Try not to take any naps after 2 or 3 pm especially. Taking a shorter nap is ideal, but if you take a longer one, stay under an hour. 

7. Exercise Often

Don’t exercise right before bed. You’ll want to exercise each day to stay active, but it’s best to do your workouts at least a few hours before you plan to go to sleep.

This will help you have plenty of time to wind down and relax before getting into bed so that falling asleep is easier. 

8. No Late-Night Snacks

Don’t eat a few hours before bedtime. Avoid spicy foods or heavy meals before bed. They could cause heartburn, stomachaches, and more. 

9. Keep a Regular Sleep Routine

Whether it’s a Monday or the weekend, you need to keep the same sleep routine. Your body will become used to the time you wake up and go to sleep.

If you have too large of a variation in your sleep schedule, it could have the same impact as not getting enough sleep. 

Regular sleep is important for better social interactions, memory, focus, and decision-making. Sleep can also help you form memories and retain information, which is crucial for a student. 

10. Have a Plan for When You Can’t Sleep

If you can’t sleep, get up and go to another room and perform relaxing activities. Whether it’s catching up on your most recent book or meditating, taking some time away from the bed can be helpful. 

Consider having a sleep diary to keep track of when you’re sleeping vs. when you wake up. This could help you plan out ways to sleep better at night. 

11. Speak With Your Doctor

Consider reaching out to your doctor about tips on sleeping better. They might send you for a sleep study to ensure that you don’t snore, have sleep apnea, or experience other issues that may interact with your sleep schedule.

If you do, sleep specialists can help you with these ailments to get better sleep at night. 

12. Have Well-Lit Rooms During the Day

Open up your blinds and let light into the room. Go outdoors whenever possible to increase the amount of sunlight that you receive. For locations with less sunlight, talk to a doctor about a light therapy box. 

13. Manage Stress

If you’re feeling stressed out, consider ways to combat this. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or speaking to your doctor about medication options. 

Set time each day for self-care to relax. Remember that your mental health is just as important as sleep! When you’re stressed out your mind might be racing, making it more difficult to fall asleep. 

14. Avoid All-Nighters

Many college students are used to having to cram and study all night to make sure that they’re prepared for the test the next day. All-nighters can, however, negatively impact your sleep schedule overall.

Instead, allow yourself enough time throughout the week/weeks to prepare for the test and avoid cramming in the information. 

Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Students

After exploring this guide on the importance of sleep for students, you’re more likely to get some shut-eye! Be sure to follow this guide and reach out to your doctor if you’re still struggling. 

Would you like to read more informative content? Be sure to check out our other articles today!