Running on empty
As finals week approaches many students experience sleep depravation
Maggie Thompson
Issue date: 12/12/05 Section: Features
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That's why it is important, with finals approaching fast, to allow your mind and your body plenty of time to rest. "You would handle the stress of finals better with a full nights sleep the night before," says Worley.
Many DU students often pull all nighters in order to get everything done. However, this clouds one's ability to think clearly and could even be dangerous to one's health.
Some DU night owls just don't have time to get to bed early. "At night is when I get the most accomplished," said sophomore Julia Peddicord. "So I have to stay up late to get all of my work done." Other students are having trouble getting to bed early just because they're bodies aren't used to it. "I don't know when the last time I went to bed before 11:00 was," Blake Evans junior said, "I guess my body has just adapted to staying up late. It hasn't seemed to affect me yet."
On the contrary, it is interesting to note that according to the National Sleep Foundation, 100,000 traffic accidents this year have been due to fatigue and drowsiness. In fact, a North Carolina State study showed that drivers 25 or younger caused 55% of fall asleep crashes.
Sleep deprivation is afflicted upon 47 million adults in the United States, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Symptoms include fatigue, exhaustion, and emotional moods such as sadness, stress, and anger. "Lack of sleep can cause difficulty controlling emotions. These symptoms can interfere with memory, energy levels, and mental ability."
As a college student, it is vital to get the proper amount of rest. For people ages 16 and older, six to nine hours is the recommended amount. Some causes that may disrupt normal sleep patterns are excitement and stress. Food additives and caffeine can also affect the sleep pattern of certain people.
So in order to do your best during final's week, get into a regular pattern. Studies from Cox Health Sleep Deprivation clinic suggest that you are more likely to get a good night's rest when your body is in a regular routine. Use the bed solely for sleeping; try to avoid watching the TV in bed or using a laptop. Your internal alarm clock may get confused. Don't go to bed hungry, and avoid exercising three hours before bedtime. Follow these tips, and sleep deprivation may cease to exist.
Article last update: 12/11/05 at 2:11 PM CST