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Sleep Deprivation

College Students and Sleep:

An Overview of Deprivation

Chastity McGraw

Psychology 191

Vanessa Brown

December 7, 2008
College Students and Sleep:

An Overview of Deprivation

Sleep is an important, often ignored, biological need. However, sleep deprivation and college students go hand and hand. Sleep deprivation is defined as a general lack of the necessary amount of sleep. Research shows that the average human being needs at least six but preferably eight hours of sleep a night. Researchers agree that college students are among the most sleep-deprived age group in the United States. Studies show that most students can be divided into two groups: morning types and evening types. In this overview I will discuss:
1. What factors contribute to sleep deprivation in college students??
2. Are sleep patterns (morning and evening types) detrimental to a students success?
3. How can students get the most out of their sleep?
What factors contribute to
sleep deprivation in college students?
It is not unusual for students to experience changes in their sleep habits when they enter college. However, the following things list of things can unnecessarily disrupt your sleep (Esherick, 2004, p. 40):
• Worry: when your anxiety, fear, or nervousness keeps you awake.
• Poor sleep habits: when you regularly stay up late or go to sleep at irregular times.
• Poor lifestyle habits: exercising right before bed or abusing drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol.
• Daytime Napping: when you sleep too much during the day to be able to sleep at night.
• Poor sleep environment: when your bed is uncomfortable or your bedroom is to hot, too cold, too noisy, or has too much light.
• Eating habits: when stimulates like caffeine and sugar keep you awake.
• Cold and allergies: when a stuffy noise or cough disturbs your sleep.
• Psychiatric challenges: when something like depression keeps you awake.
Are sleep...