Seven reasons for seven hours of sleep

by Helen Olufowobi

Student life brings many new opportunities and events.

Alongside the jam-packed timetable and never ending deadlines, it can all get a bit much and sometimes sleep takes a back seat.

But at what expense?

Sleep deprivation affects young people in their teenage years and early twenties more than any other age group.

Here are seven reasons why you should try and get a minimum of seven hours sleep a night.

1. Stress

Remember that deadline you have tomorrow and the other one for the following day. Is it all getting a bit stressful? A good night’s sleep will not do the essay for you but it will most certainly help you to manage your stress levels, making it easier to cope and prepare for the task ahead.

2. Moods

Sleep impacts our moods. Mood swings are often a result of a lack of sleep. Get in a good seven hours to ensure you are not the one sitting in the corner of the SU bar by yourself because everyone’s fed up of your moods.

3. Impaired Memory

Nobody likes waking up before the crack of dawn for that 9am lecture but it has to be done and you’re not going to get that first if you don’t remember what is said. A lack of sleep can result in impaired memory – notes are all well and good but if you can retain information in your head, surely that’s more convenient.

4. Decision Making

Do you take the money and run or play on and risk it all? A good seven hours of sleep will aid your decision-making. Being alert will help you make informed and most probably the better decision.

5. Road Safety

“The DVLA estimates 20% of serious incidents on major roads are caused by sleepy drivers,” the BBC reported last month. If you drive without having had a good night’s sleep, you are leaving yourself open to the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel and not only endangering yourself but other drivers and pedestrians.

6. Health Problems

We’re only students, some would say we’ve barely even started living. Not sleeping for the recommended daily amount can leave you open to a number of health risks including obesity, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disorders. Reduce your risks and make sure you get at least seven hours sleep a night.

7. Loss of Sex Drive

Whether letting loose in university or keeping it monogamous with a partner, a lot of students are having sex. You may not think so but a lack of sleep can cause a decrease in your sex drive. Simply put, a good night’s sleep makes for a good night of sex.

As much as lack of sleep can be self-inflicted, sometimes insomnia kicks in. Here are a few tips that could help you get that perfect night’s sleep.

• Have a warm bath before bed to unwind.
• Find a sound that relaxes you, whether it is radio, a rain app on your mobile phone or your recording of this morning’s lecture.
• Read a book before bed.
• Avoid watching TV in bed.
• Keep your room tidy, well ventilated and smelling nice, it may seem irrelevant but if the environment is nicer you’ll relax easier.