College Students Losing Sleep Over Stress
A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that less than a third of the 1,125 survey participants get eight hours of sleep at night. This is mostly due to stress, as the study also revealed that “68 percent of college students who were surveyed said that worries about school and life keep them awake, with one-fifth saying this occurs at least once a week”.
College years can be filled with studies and a social life, but they are often devoid of proper rest. From cramming for exams to writing papers, it can be a challenge to put sleep ahead of other priorities, but it is necessary. Lack of sleep for extended periods of time can wreak havoc on one’s immune system and cardiovascular system.
According to the study, “[a]bout three in five of the students said they have irregular sleep-wake patterns, and many said they use drugs or alcohol regularly to help them either sleep or stay alert, the survey found. The regular use of stimulants and sedatives can increase the chance of becoming addicted to them”.
To learn more about the importance of sleep, visit NorthShore University HealthSystem’s sleep center.
