FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU SLEEP AS A STUDENT
Efe Ikhenaode
You might have spent the whole break staying up all night and sleeping in late, it is therefore important to make some adjustments to help with lecture schedules. For those who stay in the hostel, there is always the issue of interrupted sleep, noise, bright lighting etc. So many things could deprive you of rest, and sleep in fact helps you to be faster, happier, more responsive and healthier.
Getting the right amount of sleep is very important and that is why I would like to share with you five wholesome tips to help you overcome these challenges that are in the way of your academic success and overall wellbeing.
- Schedule planning
Most people have a study timetable, surely you can leave room for sleeping too. Everyone has their various sleeping habits, so instead of adapting your sleep habits to your schedule, try to adapt your schedule to your sleep habits. This trick is so simple, yet can make all the difference.
- Reward yourself
You are really strong. Not everyone can stick to schedules; treat yourself to something nice after achieving that sleep goal. It may sound like a silly achievement but do not let that put you down. To increase your chances of following through, eat something spectacular when you wake up.
- Keep devices away
We really cannot do without our phones, can we? However, for those that have problems with sleeping, it is not advisable to use your devices right before bed. I know of some people who fall asleep with their phones in their hands (tables are shaking, right?). Your body needs time to wind down, so spend an hour or at least half an hour before bed away from electronics, doing something that relaxes you. Nowakowski suggests listening to music or reading a book.
- Avoid noise and bright light
This is going to be a hard one for hostel based students, however you can always try to reduce chances by talking to your roommates about avoiding late night gossip. Investing in ear mufflers and sleep masks can also help.
- Avoid naps
Naps during the day can get in the way of sleep at night, especially if they take place early or late in the day. So, no going to your early morning class and then collapsing back into bed. “If you are feeling sleepy and wish to nap, remain awake and active for at least 3 hours after your new wake-up time before taking a nap,” says Nowakowski. Same goes with night time naps: Do not nap less than six hours before bedtime. If you must nap, do it in the afternoon and keep it under half an hour.
I really hope these tips work for you because they are definitely working for me. Happy resumption, people!
