Sleepless in Atlanta: The Harmful Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Cherish Weiler

After a long, lazy summer of never-ending days of sleeping until the mid-afternoon, college is sure to jolt students back to what in-part defines a rigorous curriculum: sleepless nights. Colleges often joke that students can only maintain two of the three main aspects of college life: a social life, good grades, and restful sleep. While upperclassmen make these statements in jest, sleep deprivation is a serious issue affecting millions of college students. According to Science Daily, “College students are among the most sleep-deprived age group in the U.S.”

Why are students as sleep-deprived as they are? For the most part, late-night studying and all-nighters prevent students from getting the suggested eight hours of sleep. When students are not staying up late due to homework, many of them are trying to maintain a social life of late-night social events and parties. All in all, this schedule leaves little time for necessary, restful sleep. While students may be willing to give up their one night of a potential restful sleep to mingle with friends, the effects of sleep deprivation are much more serious than they may realize. Students often forego proper sleep, assuming lack of sleep is just another aspect of college life. In reality, sleep deprivation is linked to inattentiveness, poor academic performance, and poor health. A more serious stage of sleep deprivation, insomnia, is associated with more severe consequences including mood disorders such as depression and substance abuse.

College students cannot afford to come to college with the assumption that they will feel adequately rested throughout their years at school. However, too many students do not make the effort to get enough sleep. While some might argue that school officials need to step up and monitor students more closely, a big part of ensuring students sleep well falls on the students themselves. Time management skills, regular exercise, and a support system can all help students work around their difficult schedules and ensure they receive enough sleep. Everyone should be capable of catching the elusive myth that is a good night’s rest.