The importance of sleep to academic success

It's no secret that many college students do not sleep enough. Academic studies, social life, part-time or full-time jobs, and relationships are often more important than sleep. Students experience even more sleep deprivation as midterm and final exams approach.

Sleep is serious business

Lack of sleep can cause these harmful side effects:

• daytime drowsiness
• inability to cope with stress
• weight gain
• poor health
• low energy

Most important for students, sleep deprivation makes studying and learning more difficult. It also hurts the body's ability to stay healthy.

The National Sleep Foundation recently released a poll that shows that many young adults are suffering from sleep deprivation that is severe enough to impair daytime activities. These young people get an average of 6.8 hours of rest per night, but many function on much less. According to current research, most undergraduates need 8.5 - 9.25 hours of sleep (most adults, 7 - 9 hours).

Burning the candle at both ends

College life only increases the problem of sleep deprivation as students try to burn the candle at both ends. Some students work a part-time job to help pay for college expenses. Some students have to support a family while going to school. Because of all these pressures, there is also an increase in stress. Stress can lead to insomnia - the ability to sleep.

Sleeplessness is especially bad as final exams approach and students cram for exams. When students force themselves to stay awake to study, they have to function on even less sleep. Too many nights of staying awake can lead to long-term sleep problems.