The Power of Rest
"Rest is the sweet sauce of labor."-— Plutarch
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an astonishing 60% of college students are sleep deprived. This alarming statistic showcases an important aspect of the college lifestyle that could very well be severely limiting a student's potential. Sleep is one of the most important requirements for a healthy lifestyle. Rest is crucial because it supports nearly every aspect of physical and mental health, enabling us to function at our best. Rest allows your body time to physically recover from the day, whether it be from physical activity or even mental stimulation, that is all too common on a college campus. Sleep helps strengthen the immune system, making it easier to fight off common illnesses. Without enough rest, the immune system weakens, increasing susceptibility to sickness. The importance of rest for the human body and working at peak mental and physical condition cannot be overstated. Without proper rest, your body is doomed to eventually crumble from the weight of the day.
Sleep deprivation interferes with work, school, driving and social functioning. You might have trouble learning, focusing and reacting. Also, you might find it hard to judge other people's emotions and reactions. Sleep deficiency also can make you feel frustrated, cranky or worried in social situations. In essence, not sleeping enough can hamstring your college career, social interactions, and potentially even endanger your own life. The CDC recommends a minimum of eight hours of sleep. If you fail to reach this metric, you open yourself up to a risk of sleep deprivation, and with it the potential consequences of sleep deprivation. Students who prioritize sleep will do better in school, have more energy for exercise, socializing and recreation, and live happier and healthier lives than those who do not make the same prioritization.
Ultimately, the challenges and stress of college life make getting enough sleep exceptionally difficult especially for those students who are balancing school with full-time work, raising families, or simply taking a large course load. There is only so much time in the day for one person to meet their responsibilities, and that often means that sleep and other important functions fall by the wayside. Despite this, it is vital that students do the best they can to get as much sleep as possible and ensure that they do not neglect this aspect of their wellness.
