The Key to Success: A Good Night's Sleep

It's common knowledge that sleep gives you energy to get through the day ahead, but sleep has many other benefits that can help you both inside and outside of the classroom! A typical student should be getting between 7-9 hours of sleep every night and here is why:

1. Sleep reduces stress and improves mood. A lack of sleep leaves you more emotionally reactive and more sensitive to negative stimuli. Studies show that there is a clear relationship between sleep deprivation and negative emotions such as anger and sadness. Getting a good night’s sleep can help to regulate your mood and leave you less stressed!

2. Sleep boosts your immune system. Studies show that your quality of sleep directly affects how well your immune system can fight off viruses. A good night’s sleep actually helps to enhance the cells that adhere to and destroy cells affected by a virus, therefore boosting your immune system immensely. Getting high quality sleep is essential for your immune system, especially when you’re trying to get over being sick!

3. Sleep improves your memory. There are two different ways that sleep can improve memory. Firstly, quality sleep makes you more attentive and better able to focus on things such as lectures or reading. The more attentive you are, the better you are able to concentrate on memorizing information. Secondly, while you’re sleeping, your brain consolidates information that you’ve learned and turns it into memory. This is why you tend to remember things better when you study them right before you go to sleep!

4. Sleep keeps your heart healthy. While you’re sleeping, your blood pressure and heart rate go down, giving your heart some much-needed rest. Studies have shown that people who are sleep deprived are more likely to have high blood pressure and heart rate because their heart is not getting rest, which can potentially lead to heart disease. Even though most people think of resting your mind while sleeping, your heart needs that rest just as much!

As you can see, getting a good night’s sleep benefits you mentally and physically, helping you to power through even the most stressful days! If you’re struggling to get quality sleep, here are some things you can try:

1. Putting down your phone an hour or two before going to sleep

2. Don’t drink caffeine during the evening

3. Limit the length of time you nap each day

4. Exercise during the day

5. Meditate before bed using apps like Headspace or Calm

Getting 7-9 hours of sleep is so important for both your physical and mental health, so try your best to make quality sleep a priority!