Sleep Tips for College Students

A typical college night may look like overloading on caffeine, staying up until 3 a.m. to finish a paper, and getting about 4 hours of sleep before you have to wake up for class. As a college student, this may not seem out of the ordinary, but you are doing more harm than help when you are not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to sleep deprivation, memory loss, weight gain, illness, and more.

The average college student gets 6-6.9 hours of sleep a night, when the recommended amount of sleep for people aged 18-25 is 7-9 hours according to the National Sleep Foundation. So how do you prevent the issues lack of sleep causes? Here are some sleep tips for college students that can help you get your homework done, have a social life and still get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Tips for College Students

Try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule. Your body clock needs regularity to perform at its peak. If your sleeping schedule differs too much from night-to-night, then it can have the same effects as getting less than your recommended amount of sleep.

Create a regular sleep routine. Try to relax after a long day of classes, socializing and homework. If you do work too close to bedtime, you will stimulate yourself, impeding your ability to fall asleep. Put away your electronic devices because the blue light they emit can trick your brain into thinking it is day time, decreasing your melatonin levels and making it more difficult to sleep. Find a routine that works for you, and helps you get a restful night of sleep.

Create a sleep-friendly environment. Make sure your dorm room is interruption free at night. Try to keep it dark and cool, as best as possible, to promote a deep night of sleep. It is also very easy to use your bed as couch, or a study area. However, this tricks your brain into thinking the bed is not for sleep. If you make other zones for lounging or studying, your brain will associate your bed with only sleep, helping your body to naturally ease into sleep.

Exercise regularly. Utilize that on-campus gym facility! Exercise makes it easier to fall asleep at night, and it can even help improve your sleep quality! A study done by the National Sleep Foundation found that 150 minutes of exercise a week, helped improve people’s overall sleep quality.

Avoid caffeine before bedtime. Caffeine is quite often the drink of choice for college students, to help keep them alert and focused. However, if you drink caffeine too late in the day, this stimulant can inhibit your ability to get to sleep at night. It increases brain activity, and can throw off your internal clock. It is suggested you stop drinking caffeine 6 + hours before bedtime, to assure the caffeine has mostly worked its way through your system, and does not affect your sleep significantly.

Make sure you have the right sleep accessories. If you have the proper pillow and mattress protector on your college bed, you will have an enhanced night of sleep. Your mattress alone cannot provide you with all the nighttime comfort you need! So make sure you’re properly supported and comfortable with these accessories on your bed.

What sleep accessories do I need for college?

When packing up for college, what sleep accessories do you need for your dorm? A mattress is usually provided for you, but they are not always the best, so enhancing your bed with accesories is key!

First, start with the pillow. The pillow is essential in a good night of sleep. Without the right pillow, your neck and head can fall out of alignment with one another, causing soreness and discomfort through the night. When you have that 8 a.m. exam, you’re going to want to wake up refreshed, not in pain.

Next, you’ll want to get a mattress protector. This can help dissipate heat, keep air flowing throughout your mattress, and provide a comfortable feel. Both of these items can also help regulate your body’s temperature during the night, assuring you get maximum hours of deep sleep.

Upgrade your dorm bedding this semester for quality sleep

Transitioning back to school can take some getting used to, but prioritizing your health by setting good routines can keep you at the top of your game this semester. By following the above sleep tips for college students, you’ll be well-rested so you can fit all the best college experiences into your days and still keep good grades.

Upgrading your sleep routine is only half of the challenge. Add these college dorm sleep accessories to your list and you’ll have the tools you need to succeed. The bedMATCH process offered at Mattress Warehouse, can help you determine which pillow is the best fit for you. Once you have your perfect pillow match, make sure to find the right mattress protector for you. They are a key to a well balanced night of sleep. Browse through our selection of mattress protectors and pillows today, to improve each night.

At Mattress Warehouse we know that sleep happens, so do late nights and even all-nighters. Let us help you find some balance and prioritize your sleep health so you’re ready for this semester.