by Emelia Hitchner<\/p>\n
Sleep is becoming more of a stranger among struggling college students who trade in their ability to rest in order to maintain\u00a0busy schedules.<\/p>\n
Chronic insomnia is\u00a0frustrating to students who need to concentrate and work hard, even though it seems to be more common today than it was in years\u00a0previous. Sleep is important for mental restoration, aiding in memory consolidation while allowing the body to physically recuperate from the day\u2019s tasks.\u00a0Students are prone to the risk of insomnia with their hectic schedules, varying class times and busy social lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cI struggle with insomnia because I\u2019m in high school, while I\u2019m in college as well and both semesters are ending at the same time. There\u2019s too much on my mind and if I finish my homework late, I\u2019ll 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,\u201d said dual-enrolled,\u00a0Daytona State College student\u00a0Courtney Mercer.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have it off and on when I\u2019m stressed. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a generation think, but it\u2019s definitely a sign of the time. We\u2019re so focused on work, work, work and then when we get home, we have other responsibilities. We just don\u2019t know when to stop,\u201d said another DSC student, Melanie Masse.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Despite stress being a contributing factor in the search for slumber, other issues contribute to students\u2019 inability to relax at night. In the digital era, social media, computers, cell phones and television are provoking students\u2019 brains long after the hours of daylight have passed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d said Mercer.<\/p>\n
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,\u00a0Lori Munzing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere should be a limited amount of caffeine products after 3 p.m. and students who are trying to refrain from caffeine\u00a0shouldn’t\u00a0just quit, but decrease their consumption in small increments. Constant consumption results in a lack of sleep, but so does just quitting the habit,\u201d said Munzing.<\/p>\n
While some people are wary about using sleep aids and medications to induce drowsiness, there are habits students can\u00a0establish a better nighttime routine. It is important \u00a0to 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.<\/p>\n
In addition, students should be careful to avoid going to bed too hunger or too full, as\u00a0it disrupts the digestive tract\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are non-pharmaceutical ways to relax,\u201d said Munzing. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Although pressure from school, work and the battle to remain healthy are consistent challenges, students can be encouraged\u00a0\u00a0that 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\u00a0\u00a0happy slumber.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Sleep is becoming more of a stranger among struggling college students who trade in their ability to rest in order to maintain busy schedules.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s tasks. Students are prone to the risk of insomnia with their hectic schedules, varying class times and busy social lives. Continue reading Slumber a stranger to struggling students<\/span>