For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a morning person. I used to genuinely enjoy waking up early and starting my day. But, ever since I started taking 8 a.m. classes in college, I long to sleep in more than ever before.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like I never get enough sleep. It was a lot easier taking 8 a.m. classes during my freshman year when I lived in a dorm. This is mostly because the walk was short enough that I could roll out of bed at 7:45 and be completely fine. Now, living in an apartment, I’d be late to class if I left any later than then. My alarm goes off at 6:45, it’s still dark outside and my bed has never been more comfortable. I usually end up snoozing my alarm for thirty minutes until forcing myself out of bed.
Luckily, getting out of bed is the worst part. But, the feeling I get when I hear my alarm that early in the morning is something I don’t want to feel anymore. Some mornings I barely have time to eat breakfast before rushing out the door. I never feel like I can do anything with my friends the night before because I want to be in bed early so I get enough sleep. No matter what I do (or don’t do) before my 8 a.m., I never feel well-rested that morning.
Although I obviously don’t enjoy waking up for my 8 a.m. classes, there are positive aspects to taking them. My class days are much shorter because I start so early. Because of this, I have never been in class later than 2:00, I have flexible afternoons and I find parking spots with no problem. But, the lack of sleep associated with taking these classes is weighing on me.
A few weeks ago, I needed a break and decided to skip my 8 a.m. class. I don’t think I fully realized what I was missing until I woke up at 8:30 feeling well-rested with the sun shining through my window. I had time to get fully ready, eat breakfast and take my time walking to class. That slightly longer night’s sleep made a huge difference in my mindset going through the day.
When everyone warns you about signing up for early morning classes in college, they’re doing it for a reason. College students are already running dangerously low on sleep, dealing with more stress than ever before. After almost 2 years of taking these classes, I have learned that the most important thing is my health.
I often ask myself the same question everyone asks when I complain about these classes: why do I keep doing this to myself? I don’t know. At this point, I believe the costs are outweighing the benefits. I want to enjoy my mornings again. So, when my registration window opens in a few weeks, I will not be choosing any 8 a.m. classes. I’m doing this for you, future me.
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