The National Sleep Foundation says adults should have seven to nine hours of sleep a night. So going to bed at a decent hour is essential for college students to get a full night's sleep. That way they will be awake and alert for early-morning classes, ready to absorb what they are learning.
Reading a textbook in bed may be tempting, but it's not the best way to study. If your mind gets in the habit of relating the bed to stimulating activity such as homework or watching TV then it sends the body mixed messages and makes it hard to fall asleep. Only hit the sheets when you are ready to sleep.
There's nothing wrong with taking an afternoon catnap to keep your motor running through the day, especially if you feel a food coma coming on after a big lunch in the dining hall. But the nap should be less than an hour. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also suggests taking a nap before 3 p.m.
This may be hard for some college students after a long night of partying, but it's best to keep the same sleep schedule on weekends as you do during the week. That way you won't have such a hard time waking up on Monday morning. If you must sleep a little later on Saturdays and Sundays, limit it to two extra hours of sleep.
Consuming large amounts of caffeine may be temptingwhen you need that extra burst of energy, but you're doing yourself more harm than good. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it'll be harder for you to sleep at night. So stay away from caffeine-related products such as coffee, tea, and soda, especially during the afternoon and late at night.
One of the best ways to get the body ready for bed is by relaxing. Start your chill time 30 minutes before you go to bed by soaking in the tub, listening to relaxing music, or any other calming activities.