Not sleeping can be hazardous

Health experts say students who burn the midnight
oil might not realize a lack of sleep can cause sleep
deprivation, which can lead to major health issues.

“Illness can be sped up, (and) meningitis cases are
often found in sleep-deprived individuals who push
their immune system too far,” said Linda Hancock,
assistant director of the Office of Health Promotion.
“Students focus better, work more effectively and just
plain feel better with seven to nine hours of sleep.”

The short-term effects of sleep deprivation include
decreased alertness, memory impairment and stress,
while long-term effects of sleep deprivation are high
blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure, stroke,
obesity and psychiatric disorders such as depression
and attention-deficit disorder.

Teresa Bryant, a junior mass communications
student, said getting enough sleep is easier said then
done.

“At night, I notice I can’t go to sleep even though
I want to go to sleep,” Bryant said. “Then, during the
day, I want to go to sleep.”

Sophomore and finance major Kevin Woodbridge
said socializing is why he has a lack of sleep.

“I get about five hours of sleep (a night),” Woodbridge
said. “I don’t think I get enough sleep because
of peer pressure.”

According to the National Sleep Foundation, people
need to maintain a regular sleep and wake pattern, avoid napping during the day and avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at or near bedtime.

Junior Simone Martin, a social work major, said he
only is deprived of sleep during the weekend.

“During the week, I am on a set schedule, but during
the weekend, I never know what is going to happen,
so I tend to stay up later.”

The National Sleep Foundation also recommends
exercise in the morning or late afternoon to help get
a good night’s sleep.

“Sleep is good, but you can sleep when you’re dead,”
Woodbridge said.

Woodbridge said this is a mantra some college
students seem to live by. But Hancock advises students to consider the consequences of such a philosophy.

“If you miss sleep, you are more likely to catch
viral colds and coughs,” Hancock said. “Getting sick
takes more time away from school and homework …
It’s like a vicious spiral. So, staying healthy starts with
sleep … It’s not optional.”