Sleep Awareness Week is the perfect time to reflect on something a lot of us take for granted: sleep. For post-secondary students, sleep often takes a back seat to deadlines, assignments, social events, and late-night study sessions. But the truth is, sleep is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It’s the foundation of our physical health, well-being, and academic success. Let’s dive into why sleep matters and how you can make it a priority.

The Science of Sleep

Sleep isn’t just a time when your body “shuts off.” It’s an active process where your brain and body work to repair, restore and recharge. During sleep, you cycle through different stages, including REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep. REM sleep is crucial for dreaming and emotional processing, while non-REM sleep helps with physical health recovery and storing memories.

Without enough sleep, your brain struggles to function properly. Studies show that sleep deprivation makes it hard to pay attention, make decisions and solve problems. It also weakens out immune system, making us more susceptible to illness.

Sleep and Academic Performance

If you have ever pulled an all-nighter to cram for an exam, you might think you are doing yourself a favor. But research shows that sacrificing sleep for study time can backfire. Sleep plays a critical role in forming memories, which is essential for retaining the information you have learned. Without enough sleep, your ability to focus, process new information and perform well, takes a hit.

A study from Harvard Medical School, found that students who get adequate sleep perform better academically. Sleep helps your brain organize and store information, making it easier to remember during exams. So, if you want to ace that test, prioritize your sleep!

Sleep and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected. Poor sleep can increase stress, anxiety, and irritability, while chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to more serious mental health issues like depression. On the flip side, mental health challenges can also disrupt sleep, creating a vicious cycle.

For post-secondary students, who often face high levels of stress and pressure, prioritizing sleep is a powerful way to protect your well-being. Getting enough rest can help you manage stress more effectively and maintain a positive outlook, even during challenging times.

Tips for Better Sleep

Now that you know how important sleep is, here are some practical tips to help you get better rest:

• Stick to a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time as consistently as you can, yes that includes weekends too.
• Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress, pillows and blankets.
• Limit Screen Time: The blue light from phone and laptops can interfere with your sleep. Try to avoid scrolling on social media at least a half hour before bed.
• Avoid Caffeine and Heavy Meals: Both can disrupt your sleep, especially if consumed late in the day.
• Wind Down: Develop a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading, or meditating, to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.

Sleep Awareness Week is a reminder that sleep is not something to sacrifice – it’s something to celebrate. For students, getting enough rest is one of the best things you can do for your academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. So, consider making sleep a priority. Your brain, body, and GPA will thank you.

How to Have a Terrible Sleep – Workshop

If you are interested in learning more about sleep hygiene, join Dr. Elizabeth Hebert for a virtual workshop!

Date: March 5th, 2025

Time: 12:00 to 1:00pm

Location: MS Teams

Register here!