Sleep Deprivation Among College Students

Sleep Deprivation Among College Students

Abstract

Daytime sleepiness, sleep deprivation, and irregular sleep schedules are highly prevalent among college students, as 50% report daytime sleepiness and 70% attain insufficient sleep. The consequences of sleep deprivation and daytime sleepiness are especially problematic to college students and can result in lower grade point averages, increased risk of academic failure, compromised learning, impaired mood, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. This survey reviewed 40 SAGU students and the current situation of sleepiness and sleep deprivation among students, contributing factors for sleep deprivation, and the role of sleep in learning and memory. The impact of sleep and sleep disorders on academics, grade point average, driving, and mood will be examined. This paper highlights that addressing sleep issues, which are not often considered as a risk factor for depression and academic failure, should be encouraged. This survey should be used as an encouragement to find solutions to better sleep deprivation among students.

Keywords: grade point average, GPA, sleep deprivation, academic performance

Sleep Deprivation Among College Students

Conducting the Survey

As I was going into this experiment, I wanted to know how many college students were not getting enough sleep. The experience started with myself, I knew I was sleep deprived and I wanted to know if other SAGU students felt the same. When I went around campus asking students to fill this survey the results were astounding. The results showed out of 40 students only 8 students slept for more than 7+ hours. Many SAGU students say they sleep 6 hours or less because of their academic school load and some students work over 40+ hours as well.

Results of Survey

Most college students are sleep deprived, as 70.6% of students report obtaining less than 8 hours of sleep. Only 4% of students obtained at least 8 hours of sleep at night; the average sleep duration was 5.7 hours, with 2.7 “all-nighters” per month. The results showed that 82% of college students believe that inadequate sleep and sleepiness impact their school performance. Students rank sleep problems second only to stress in factors that negatively impact academic performance.

Discussed Findings

  When doing this survey, many asked what are ways to improve their sleeping habits and this is what I found: Staying away from all electronics 30 minutes before bed can help wind down the brain into a resting stage. A scheduled meal can help with regulating hours of sleep. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants, which disrupt sleep. It is best to stay away from these after lunchtime.  If you are up late studying or just need a little more energy, try a small energy-boosting snack instead of a caffeinated beverage.  If you feel that you must have caffeinated coffee when you are up late studying, try to limit the amount of caffeine by filling half your cup with decaffeinated coffee. Instead of a caffeinated beverage.