Exams. Late night partying. Work that has been put off again and again. There are many reasons that college students suffer from sleep deprivation and other sleeping disorders.
“I used a caffeine pill once because I needed to stay up all night to write a paper,” said Alicia Wolff, ’05. “The next day I was exhausted, but it allowed me to do what I needed to do.”
Some students complain because they sleep only five or six hours each night. Yet, many others awake rested and function well during the day.
Still, others need more than the average eight hours of sleep per night. Going to bed even an hour earlier or taking a nap in the middle of the day can provide the sleep that they need.
“I scheduled my classes so I could sleep in, and then when I get back from class, I nap some more,” said Lindsay Brown, ’05.
When a person sleeps, there is a period of time that allows the mind to regenerate, according to Richard Radocchia, a psychological counselor at Fairfield University. People get the most rest during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, when dreaming occurs.
If amphetamines, caffeine pills, alcohol or other street drugs are used, a person’s ability to enter REM sleep can be seriously impacted, according to Radocchia.
Caitlin Collins, ’05, has had experience with using medication to help her sleep at night. She had surgery and while at the hospital, she asked for some pills.
“They gave me Ambien and I took them every night for a week,” said Collins. “I could see how they could be addictive.”
Sleep deprivation often increases during exams, as students desperately “try to make up the work that they have put off all semester,” said Radocchia. However, if it goes on for extended periods, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as depression.
Lack of sleep for a prolonged time could trigger psychotic breaks, paranoia, and lack of ability to concentrate. Radocchia expressed the seriousness of sleep deprivation, pointing out that “people in cults often will disrupt sleep as a way of mind control.”
If someone you know may have a problem with sleeping disorders or depression, Radocchia advises refering them to a psychiatrist. Sometimes they will be prescribed a sleeping pill, but usually they will be given an antidepressant which takes about a week to be effective. Talk therapy and exercising are also excellent ways to avoid sleep problems.
In a college student’s stressful life, it may seem like there is no time for sleep. But, a good night’s sleep will allow you to put forth your best and avoid unnecessary struggles.
“I rarely even drink coffee to keep me going for those last few hours,” said Heather Morassini, ’05. “I know that in the long run that I’ll do better on the project well-rested.”
Leave a Reply