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Wake Up! You Need That Sleep!

By Lydia West
Black College Wire

Between class, work, parties and school activities, many students find it difficult to take the time to re-energize body and brain with the real food for the soul, sleep.

The Student Voice "Sleep is like food to the brain. In order to function properly we have to have it." said a family nurse practitioner.

Failure to get in at least eight hours can result in dizziness, loss of energy and insomnia — all symptoms of sleep deprivation, which is defined as failure to get the necessary amount of sleep.

Skipping hours of sleep might seem harmless, but a 2006 poll from the National Sleep Foundation indicated many young adults suffer from sleep deprivation severe enough to interfere with daytime activities.

According to the foundation, not getting enough sleep or having sleep difficulties can limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems. It can also lead to aggressive or inappropriate behavior, such as yelling at friends or being impatient with teachers or family members. It can even contribute to acne and other skin problems.

Sleep deprivation can also cause weight gain: One can eat too much or eat unhealthy foods at night.

It can even heighten the effects of alcohol, lead to the use of caffeine and nicotine and precede serious illnesses such as insomnia.

Dr. Clarence Calhoun, a general surgeon and physician at Albany State University Student Health Services, said, "Students are often suffering from sleep deprivation and don't even realize it. Too many nights of forced wakefulness can affect your social life, academics, family, health and eventually lead to deadly consequences."

Vicki Philips, R.N., a family nurse practitioner who is also at Albany State University Student Health Services, said students who do not receive at least eight to nine hours of sleep are harming their immune systems.

"Too many extracurricular activities, along with college life pressures, are causing students to become sleep-deprived," Philips said.

Why don't students sleep enough?

Christy Statham, a 19-year-old business management major, said, "I don't receive eight hours of sleep because I am involved in so much, and still feel the pressure to keep my academics up. There aren't enough hours in the day."

Tia McCloud, 19, an accounting major, said, "I am involved in numerous extracurricular activities, and have a job. Sometimes it is impossible to get my full eight to nine hours."

Avery Hudson, a 24-year-old psychology major, said, "I don't get enough sleep at night because I don't get home until late. At that time, I have to finish up my schoolwork and watch TV."

Yet some others force themselves to stay awake to party.

"Students in college socialize late at night instead of sleeping," Erica Whales, 18, a sophomore speech and theater major, said.

Chantal Forbes, 18, a sophomore biology major, said, "I'm either studying or partying late at night."

Failure to receive the needed eight hours of sleep can become a habit that affects one's circadian rhythm, the natural rhythm of the body. It serves as a clock that tells the body when to shut down and prepare for sleep and when to feel more alert.

Brandon Hosley, 21, a senior business management major, said she often tries to turn a 24-hour day into a much longer one.

"By the time I feel I have finished all of my tasks, and can go to sleep, I look up and it's a new day," Hosley said. "It is like a continuous cycle that my body has become accustomed to."

Students who have a slower running circadian rhythm may not "wake up" until later in the morning or day, according to Calhoun. They may have difficulty concentrating, and feel a bit groggy or down during part of the day. These "night owls" find it easier to stay up late at night.

If your circadian rhythm is off balance, there are steps to get it back on the right cycle.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends awakening about 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach eight to nine hours of sleep. Avoid naps during this process. While adapting to your new sleep schedule, avoid caffeine, alcohol and other substances that can affect your sleep. Open blinds or shades or turn on bright lights as soon as possible after waking to help reset your internal clock. Avoid bright light in the evening.

"Once your circadian rhythm is on the right track, it is up to the student to go to bed at a reasonable time. Depriving yourself [of] sleep is only going to hurt you in the long run," Calhoun said.

"Sleep is like food to the brain. In order to function properly, we have to have it." Philips said.

"Be very mindful, in college your main focus should be on academics," he added.

"Extracurricular activities are good, but if they start to affect your academics and health, back down on them."

Lydia West, a student at Albany State University, writes for the Student Voice. To comment, e-mail [email protected].

Posted March 27, 2007