Sleep is NOT for The Weak

The glorification of the saying “Sleep is for the weak” is one that is easily followed, especially as the summer comes to an end and we head back to our respective college towns to spend the next nine months staying up too late studying for exams, trying to attend every friend-group hangout or social obligation, and cramming our schedules with club meetings and interviews. The one thing that is lacking in this chaotic and packed schedule is sleep.

Sleep is fundamental for our physical, emotional, and mental health. Physically, it allows our body to recover from the long days hauling heavy backpacks around campus and prevents injury. Mentally and emotionally, it helps our brains rest so they are equipped to focus on important tasks during the day and face problems with a clear headspace. The amount and quality of sleep you get affects nearly every aspect of your health, including your immune system, metabolism, and circulatory system. Thus, not only is sleep important, but high-quality sleep is imperative.

Entering a full sleep cycle, consisting of both Non-REM and REM sleep, is when sleep is most beneficial. This cycle is a chance for our minds to enter a calming state where we are not worrying about exam grades, friend group drama, or where we will be in our lives in 10 years. The 8-10 hours of sleep a night that are recommended for college-aged students are 8-10 hours where we can prepare ourselves to live a healthier, more productive and fulfilled life. Missing out on these restful hours means that our body and mind are unable to function at their highest potentials during the day which prohibits our individual success. 

Some of my best tips for a restful night include putting your phone away at least 30 minutes before bed, reading or doing something relaxing (sans-screens) prior to bed, avoiding doing school work in your bed during the day or right before you go to sleep, and sleeping in complete darkness. 

Busy schedules and the urge to make the most of your four years usually means sleep tends to fall to the wayside, but prioritizing good sleep is incredibly important. Sleeping well means you will feel well. It means you will be able to show up as your best self to all of your commitments and obligations. Focusing on high quality sleep will ensure a more successful, balanced, and enjoyable life.  

Works Cited:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). How sleep works. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep