by Emelia Hitchner
Sleep is becoming more of a stranger among struggling college students who trade in their ability to rest in order to maintain busy schedules.
Chronic insomnia is frustrating to students who need to concentrate and work hard, even though it seems to be more common today than it was in years previous. Sleep is important for mental restoration, aiding in memory consolidation while allowing the body to physically recuperate from the day’s tasks. Students are prone to the risk of insomnia with their hectic schedules, varying class times and busy social lives.
“I struggle with insomnia because I’m in high school, while I’m in college as well and both semesters are ending at the same time. There’s too much on my mind and if I finish my homework late, I’ll be up for a while after just trying to calm myself down. I think students now have more to deal with while having to work and go to school,” said dual-enrolled, Daytona State College student Courtney Mercer.
Transient insomnia is one of three forms of insomnia and is the most common in college students. Typically lasting several weeks, it results from recent stress and changing life circumstances, issues that are prominent for college kids. Acute and chronic insomnia are more severe forms of sleep deprivation and last anywhere from three to six months and depending on stress levels, college students may undergo these forms of insomnia as well.
“I have it off and on when I’m stressed. I don’t think it’s a generation think, but it’s definitely a sign of the time. We’re so focused on work, work, work and then when we get home, we have other responsibilities. We just don’t know when to stop,” said another DSC student, Melanie Masse.
Although the college generation accepts sleepless nights as part of the college experience, chronic insomnia is leading to more health risks and mentally related problems. Students who struggle with resting well at night are more prone to physical issues such as diabetes, heart disease and reduced immune systems. Mental health is also affected, causing students to struggle while trying to concentrate as well as increasing the chances of depression and anxiety.
Despite stress being a contributing factor in the search for slumber, other issues contribute to students’ inability to relax at night. In the digital era, social media, computers, cell phones and television are provoking students’ brains long after the hours of daylight have passed.
“It’s different nowadays, we try to watch TV to calm down. But I think electronics are just stimulating our brains more and probably adding to the reason we stay up later,” said Mercer.
In addition to the fast-paced atmosphere of technology, school, work and stress, students are consuming caffeine products in an attempt to stay on top. Unfortunately for students, withdrawing from caffeine products after continuous use may also cause sleep deprivation, according to recently graduated registered nurse, Lori Munzing.
“There should be a limited amount of caffeine products after 3 p.m. and students who are trying to refrain from caffeine shouldn’t just quit, but decrease their consumption in small increments. Constant consumption results in a lack of sleep, but so does just quitting the habit,” said Munzing.
While some people are wary about using sleep aids and medications to induce drowsiness, there are habits students can establish a better nighttime routine. It is important to get on a sleep schedule and to avoid sleeping for long periods of time during the day. Having a sleep schedule prepares the body for the down time it needs to recover.
In addition, students should be careful to avoid going to bed too hunger or too full, as it disrupts the digestive tract’s function. To reduce stress, homework projects and financial issues should be set aside so that the mind has time to settle after a long day. Exercise is also encouraged by health experts since it allows for deeper sleep and fewer disruptions in the sleep cycle.
Alcohol consumption disrupts sleep patterns as well as nicotine intake, which agitates the body and restrains the ability to relax. Taking B-complex vitamins regularly will reduce fatigue in students during the day and enhance restful sleep at night.
“There are non-pharmaceutical ways to relax,” said Munzing. “There are breathing techniques and students should avoid anything that induces their brain to work overtime before bed. Read a book, take a hot bath and relax.”
Although pressure from school, work and the battle to remain healthy are consistent challenges, students can be encouraged that insomnia does not have to be part of that challenge. With a routine schedule and a reason to set down the homework books, students will find that counting sheep is no longer necessary in the pursuit for happy slumber.