Sleep deprivation in college students

A good sleep of about 6 to 8 hours is necessary for a proper functioning of the body throughout the day. It provides the body with energy and a good rest and the body seem ready to manage various daily stresses. We all know how exhausted we are after just one night of disturbed sleep. Is that feeling of dragging yourselves all day familiar with you? Sleep deprivation is quite common condition found in college students and it may lead to many sleep problems like sleep apnea. It is estimated that about 63% of the American students are facing some type of sleep deprivation and insomnia.

Causes of sleep deprivation in college students

The college days are best remembered by the parties and loads of fun. However, the students prefer indulging themselves in various vices to thinking about their physical and mental states. Even though the parties can be somewhat relaxant for the overloaded students, they can greatly impair their health if they consume alcohol, cigarettes and drugs in addition to partying until the dawn. Many students state that they consume alcohol, for example, just to fall asleep, but sleeping is something quite different than lying half-drunk on the bed. It is considered that alcohol and cigarettes are the main causes for the sleep deprivation.

Sleepless nights can be a result of the pressure exerted on the students in the colleges. Many students cannot get used to the academic studies and then fail in their performance, causing sleep disturbances. If the studies worry the students more than it is normal, they should seek help from their professors.

Symptoms of sleep deprivation in college students

There are a couple of symptoms that can be quite easily recognizable in those students who suffer from sleep deprivation. The sleepless night usually causes swollen and puffy eyes, as well as extreme tiredness, fatigue and frequent mood changes, like irritability and bad temper. Poor reaction time, poor concentration, frequent mistakes, negativity and lack of memory, as well as annoyance and intolerance, are also some of the symptoms of sleep deprivation in college students.

Treatment for sleep deprivation in college students

While severe cases of sleep deprivation require taking medicines and professional consultation, the mild cases, on the other side, can be treated by making some changes in the sleeping habits, diet and lifestyle. Bad habits should be avoided, a glass of milk should be drunk before going to bad and exercises should be practiced every day.