Sleep Series 2

According to Michael L. Lee, PhD and lead author on Harvard sleep study, drowsy driving exhibited reactions similar to behaviors observed in drivers with elevated blood alcohol concentrations.  Drowsy driving is just as risky and has the potential for disaster as drunk driving.[1]

Only 1 in 3 Penn State students reported getting enough sleep to feel rested at least 5 of the last 7 days.[2]

Here are three tips that can help you sleep better:

  1. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep! This will maximize your learning, memory, and academic performance.
  2. Hit the gym early, at least 2-3 hours before you hit the hay. Regular exercise earlier in the day can help you fall asleep at night, but working out to close to bedtime can interfere with sleep.
  3. Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Nicotine and caffeine are stimulants and can keep you awake.  Alcohol may make you feel sleepy, but it disrupts the sleep cycle later in the night.

Stop by 201 Student Health Center to pick up your free sleep kit, it includes an eye mask, earplugs, and tips from the Sleep Sheep on how to get a better night’s sleep.

[1] LeWine, M.D. Howard. “Too Little Sleep, and Too Much, Affect Memory.” Harvard Health Blog. N.p., 29 Oct. 2015. Web. 28 Mar. 2017.

Too little sleep, and too much, affect memory

[2] Healthy Penn State. University Health Services, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2017.

https://healthypennstate.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4423/2016/07/Accessible-version-PSU-Annual-Report-2016.pdf

 

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