Catch Those ZzzzzsAccording to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Sleep deficiency can cause problems with learning, focusing, and reacting. You may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, remembering things, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. You may take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes” (“Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency”). Check out more facts, statistics, and tips on sleep deprivation and deficiency here.
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Just like our eating and exercise habits, sleeping can play a major role in how we focus on and complete our schoolwork and just how we feel overall, mentally and physically. If we struggle to focus, become less-efficient, and have difficulty making decisions, we may see both our schoolwork and our health begin to suffer. While your sleep schedule will more than likely take a hit at times when in grad school (no matter what, I find myself staying up until 3 AM. at least once or twice a semester), there are several suggestions that can help you develop healthy sleeping habits as well as improve the sleep that you are getting.
The Sleep Division within Harvard Medical School suggests to:
Watch What You Consume
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Consider Your Environment |
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Sleep with Purpose |
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For me, in regards to these tips, I have found going to bed early, (9 PM) and getting up early (between 5 and 5:30 AM) works best for me as I am most productive in the morning, and I also use this time for my morning workout. I nap some days, but always early. If I don’t nap early, I struggle to get to sleep at night. I also do not drink any caffeine of any sort (as this helps reduce anxiety levels, but also helps me sleep at night), nor do I drink alcohol. Often, I read before bed, but frequently finding myself falling asleep before I can finish a chapter. I also never sleep with the television on; I avoid as much as I can looking at my phone in bed; and (as much as it pains me) I don’t allow my dogs to sleep with me at night because their furry little butts take up more of the bed than me. These things have worked for me, and most nights I go to bed feeling exhausted and wake up refreshed and ready to start the day (and then dead again and barely able to keep my eyes open at 9 which is a good thing!).
Ultimately, you have to find what works for you. With that being said, since sleep deprivation and deficiency can take a toll on your academic performance (not to mention really affect your physical and mental health), it is of extreme importance to make sure that you are 1) getting enough sleep, and 2) getting quality sleep. So get sleeping, so you can get up and do it all again in the morning!
Ultimately, you have to find what works for you. With that being said, since sleep deprivation and deficiency can take a toll on your academic performance (not to mention really affect your physical and mental health), it is of extreme importance to make sure that you are 1) getting enough sleep, and 2) getting quality sleep. So get sleeping, so you can get up and do it all again in the morning!
Heidi Ashcroft is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University’s English Language and Literature Master of Art’s Program. She lives in Midland, Michigan with her husband, Steve and their two dogs Rollie and Rudy. She enjoys walking with her dogs, snuggling with her dogs, and petting her dogs. She also enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Central Michigan University respects the diversity of values and opinions held by members of its community. The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of Central Michigan University or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by Central Michigan University, and the author is solely responsible for its content.