Sleep deprivation is a common problem among college students. College freshman are now on their own without their parents telling them what to do or when to do it. They tend to take advantage of this freedom and go to bed whenever they want to, especially since they do not necessarily have to wake up early everyday. College consists of a new, unstructured schedule that is very different from the 8 am to 3 pm controlled schedule most people were used to in high school and elementary school. College students tend to stay up much later, maybe finishing up some homework or hanging out with friends, because their classes might not start until midday. The college social scene is also a breeding ground for sleep deprivation. On weekends, people usually do not go out until around 10 pm so they tend to stay out later, sometimes not getting home until 3 or 4 in the morning.
Sleep deprivation results in many negative short and long-term effects to one’s life. Lack of sleep causes one’s mind to have trouble focusing, therefore making it hard for one to study properly and effectively. Without effective study habits it is hard to maintain a high GPA in college. Not only can sleep deprivation affect one’s studies, it also affects one’s personality and health. Inadequate sleep results in mood swings or changes and weakens the immune system allowing for increased illness.
There is no alternative for sleep. Many college students tend to rely on caffeine from coffee or energy drinks to keep them awake when they are not getting enough sleep, but no matter how much caffeine one drinks it still does substitute for actual sleep. Naps are a good way to get some extra sleep in during the day and are easy to fit into one’s schedule in college because of the extra free time between classes. But, ultimately, college students need to realize the best solution for sleep deprivation is going to bed on time and getting enough sleep so they can get good grades and stay healthy.
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