We have all heard it said 'sleep is the key to success', but how does it really help? How much do you need? Most college students report getting, on average, 6 hours of sleep a night. A distressing number when experts say that for a college-aged student they should be getting upwards of 9 hours a night.
These lousy sleeping habits can follow a student into their lives after college as well. This sets up a cycle that can cause lasting harm in their lives. Here are a few reasons why students should prioritize sleeping.
Lower GPA Can be Due to Lack of Sleep
Over 70% of college students report that they don't get enough sleep. Pulling all fighters, anxiety over their workload and mental fatigue are some of the biggest culprits of this trend in sleeplessness. Numerous studies have been conducted on the direct link between lower grades and academic performance and a lack of sleep.
One such study found that a lack of sleep, even just shaving off a few hours every night, saw a decline in GPA from 3.5 to 2.7. This severe drop of almost a full grade point average should have most college students prioritizing sleep.
Harmful Effects on Overall Health
Losing sleep regularly is not just terrible for your mental health, but it can also have terrible consequences on physical health. Not getting enough sleep has been shown to cause high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and may lead to diabetes.
Sleep also helps your body to heal and boosts your immunity. A lack of sleep may see you getting sicker more often as well as unable to fight off the virus as fast.
Distressing Consequences on Sex Drive
Most college students don't have to worry about their sex drive. However, there is a disturbing possibility that you may experience harmful effects from a lack of sleep that may cause the lowering of sex hormones. Erectile dysfunction may seem like an older man's game, but it is not unheard of in college-aged students.,
A lack of sleep can lower your sex drive and lower testosterone levels. Another primary culprit for lower sex drive is anxiety and stress. Proper sleep habits can help lower these symptoms.
Still Not Convinced?
Sleep is vital to your body's overall wellbeing. Spending night after night, cutting corners on sleep to study may have adverse consequences on your grades. When you think about it, you are doing the opposite of your intentions.
Poor mental health and poor physical health, as well as lasting consequences, should be enough to make sleep a vital part of your daily routine. It's time we break the cycle and make sure students can get enough sleep.
