5 Facts about Sleep Every Collegiette Should Know

1. Daytime naps can make you smarter: According to a study led by University of California psychologist, Dr. Mathew Walker, those who get roughly 90 minutes of snooze time perform better on tasks than those who go without a nap. In the study, a group of 39 students from the University were split into two groups. They were asked to link faces with names in an activity that was aimed at the hippocampus, the region which stores information. At 2 p.m., one group of students took a 90 minute nap, while the second group did not take a nap. At 6 p.m., both groups were asked to carry out the same task. The first group performed better than those who did not take a nap.  As a result, taking a short daytime nap helps the brain clear its short term memory to make space for new memories to boost performance in activities that follow the nap.

 
2. Sugar is not a replacement for a nap: Drinking soda or any sugary drink for a sugar rush may give you a sudden boost of energy, but only temporarily. When the effects wear off, you’ll be left feeling more exhausted than before. Researchers at Loughborough Universityfound that sleep-deprived patients who drank high-sugar drinks were drowsier and had more gaps in attentiveness versus patients who didn’t drink those beverages. 

 
3. Lack of sleep can heighten the effects of alcohol: Teenagers need at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep, which still includes college freshmen and sophomores who are still in their teens. On the other hand, those in their young adult years need between 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep. Lack of sleep will have unfavorable effects on those who decide to go out and drink. After getting inadequate sleep during the school week, three alcoholic drinks will have the same effects on one’s body as six alcoholic drinks would when well-rested. 
           
4. Sleep deprivation can cause acne: Not getting enough sleep can have negative effects on skin health. Lack of sleep can raise stress levels, especially during the school year with balancing academics, work, and extra-curricular activities, which can lead to breakouts. During a good night of sleep, the body is able to create a strong immune system to fight off acne attacks and regenerate skin cells. Consequently, the face can experience breakouts without proper sleep.
 
5. A proper sleep schedule can help fight the Freshmen 15: When we do not get enough sleep, our metabolism slows down to conserve energy, which in turn releases the hormone cortisol, causing an increase in appetite. Furthermore, two hormones in our body play a huge role in regulating our hunger. Ghrelin stimulates appetite and makes you hungry, while leptin suppresses appetite and makes you feel full. When you’re sleep deprived, leptin levels go down and ghrelin levels go up. This increase in appetite can also lead to cravings in high-caloric foods, which can lead to weight gain if it becomes a continuous routine.