As I’m sure you’re all aware, finals week is upon us. And with it comes the pressure to pull all-nighters in order to study more. But I’m begging you to please get some sleep!
Sleep is so important for you. It increases your concentration, productivity, and immune system. And you need all of those things this week. After all, what’s the point of all that studying if you can’t concentrate on the test? Not to mention that there’s enough sickness to go around right now. Don’t make your immune system struggle even harder to keep you healthy by not sleeping.
Image via HIT Fitness
If you still need more convincing, then listen to this argument: not sleeping decreases your ability to interact sociably. It reduces recognition of emotional facial and social cues. Everyone is super busy this time of year. Do you really want to risk the little time you have to spend with your friends by not getting enough sleep?
Despite all of these arguments, I know that most of you are still going to attempt to pull all-nighters. So, please, at least take naps. I’m not talking about little 15 minute cat naps. Save those up and sleep for 90 minutes at a time. That’s one sleep cycle. Interrupting sleep cycles can cause you to feel drowsy, irritable, and depressed. Not to mention that it actually makes it harder to learn new things and remember old information. Everyone is struggling enough. Please don’t make it harder for yourself.
Image via NIH
You may be asking what this cycle does that’s so important. REM sleep, which is only about 20-25% of this cycle, is when most of the important things happen in sleep. This is when all those memories, emotions, and stress get processed and stored away.
So, if you really want to do well on those tests then make sure you’re getting in your sleep cycles!
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/between-you-and-me/201307/your-sleep-cycle-revealed?amp https://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/diagnosis-and-treatment/healthy-sleep/what-happens-during-sleep.html https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important
cover image via Schoolwork UK