While living in a residence hall can be a lot of fun, it’s not exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep.  As you settle in this fall semester, consider the following tips for creating a sleep-friendly room.

Reduce or eliminate artificial light.  Artificial light can send messages to your body that it is time to wake up. Look around your room at night and identify sources of light such as street lights shining through the window, power buttons on electronics, or digital clocks.  Consider blocking these lights so that your room is completely dark while you sleep.[i]

Avoid using your bed for studying and socializing.  Strengthen your association between your bed and sleep by using your bed only for sleep (or sex). [ii] If you associate your bed with something stressful or energizing, you could find yourself tossing and turning. Study in the library and hang out with friends in common areas.

Communicate with your roommate. Talk with your roommate and develop a plan so that both of you can get the recommended 8 hours of sleep each night.

Pick up a free sleep kit from Health Promotion and Wellness, 201 Student Health Center.  The sleep kit contains an eye mask, ear plugs, and sleep tips.

[i] The National Sleep Foundation, sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/see.php

[ii] The Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20024293