It’s time to bring a little attention to a topic that is foreign to most college students: sleep. If you are anything like me, the best part of you week is when you finally get to crawl into bed at the end of the day. As college students we have very demanding schedules that do not always allow for the earliest bedtimes. However, there are many perk to getting the right number of hours of sleep a night and going to sleep early. Here are four benefits to an early bedtime.
1. Losing Weight: People that stay up later are more likely to eat later, which allows for weight gain. Eating just before bed can cause extra calories to sit in your system rather than be burned. Also, eating at late hours also can cause you to skip breakfast, which throws off your metabolism and gives you less energy for the day you are about to take on.
2. Easier Mornings: There is nothing worse than waking up in a bad mood due to sleep deprivation. Going to sleep at a decent hour and getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep can make any person a morning person. There is no need for that Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks if you get enough sleep and get to sleep early.
3. Improves Memory: Getting to bed early can lead to a better memory. If you are stressed and cramming for a test, try not to stay up too late. Make sure that you get enough sleep and make some time to look over you notes in the morning. Giving your mind ample time to rest will allow it to better process the information that you learned. You will feel rejuvenated for you test rather than tired from pulling an all-nighter.
4. Increase in Positivity: Avoid cranky tendencies from a lack of sleep. An early bedtime and 7-8 hours of sleep will increase positive thinking and allow you to perform better throughout the day. You will have a lower stress level and therefore an increase in positivity from having a good night’s sleep.
Getting enough sleep at an earlier time is definitely easier said than done. From having class and
homework, to working, to hitting gym, it is hard to find time to get to sleep early, but just think of all the benefits from having healthier sleep habits. It is important that we make time for ourselves to be healthy both physically and mentally. An early bedtime is a simple schedule adjustment that will positively affect your how you go about your day.