College and university students are notorious for staying up late– whether it be to cram for a test or to hang out with friends. Other than feeling a bit groggy the next morning, do students really think about what these all-nighters do to the body?
Melanie Paterack is the sleep manager at the London Sleep Clinic. She works with patients with a wide range of sleeping disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and many other that raise health concerns.
Paterack stresses the importance of a good night sleep– she says sleeping issues can be the cause behind many different health problems, even weight gain. The specialist explains that without adequate sleep, our bodies cannot recharge and will not function properly and do what they’re supposed to.
The number of hours of shut eye you get all depends on your age. For example, younger people like students will require more sleep than the older people. As a general guideline, Paterack says students should strive for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night.
If falling asleep is your issue, Paterack gives sleep-strugglers a few tips to dozing off sooner:
- Limit screen time before bed (i.e cell-phone screens, laptops, T.Vs, etc.)
- Avoid eating large meals before bed
- Keep the lights dim
- Sleep in a clean, comfortable environment
- Do an activity that relaxes you before bed-time (i.e take a bath, read a book, talk to a loved one)
Healthy sleep habits are essential to living a healthy life and feeling good. Paterack encourages students to prioritize sleep during their studies because it’s the key to a successful school year.
