Friday, September 7, 2012

For College Students, Yes, Sleep Matters

For College Students, Yes, Sleep Matters Skip to content WebMD: Better information. Better health. Enter Search Keywords. Use the arrow keys to navigate suggestions. Health A-Z

Common Conditions

View All ADD/ADHD Allergies Arthritis Cancer Cold, Flu & Cough Depression Diabetes Eye Health Heart Disease Heartburn/GERD Pain Management Sexual Conditions Skin Problems Sleep Disorders

Featured Topics

Identifying Bugs and Their Bites Bothered by Yeast Infections? The Worst Shoes for Your Feet WebMD Symptom Checker Health concern on your mind?

See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.

Learn More

WebMD Expert Blogs

doctor and nurse smiling Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics.

WebMD Communities

two women talking Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life.

WebMD Apps

WebMD logo WebMD apps on the go via your smart phone or tablet. Drugs & Supplements

Find Information About:

Drugs & Supplements

Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.

Find or Review a Drug Find or Review a Vitamin or Supplement Find Drug Coupons Drug Basics & Safety

Commonly Abused Drugs What's Your Medication IQ? Food, Medical Product & Cosmetic Safety WebMD Pill Identifier Having trouble identifying your pills?

Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.

Learn More

Drug News

Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates Sign up to receive WebMD’s award-winning content delivered to your inbox. FDA Approves Diet Pill Belviq FDA Delays Decision on Blood Thinner Eliquis

WebMD Mobile Drug Information App

WebMD logo Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go. Living Healthy

Featured Content

Women with hair wrapped in towel Want luxurious locks?

WebMD cuts through the hype to reveal the best kept secrets for healthy hair.

Living Healthy Centers

View All grilled salmon and vegetables Diet, Food & Fitness

Weight Loss & Diet Plans Food & Recipes Fitness & Exercise man and woman smiling Beauty, Balance & Love

Healthy Beauty Health & Balance Sex & Relationships Oral Care women doing yoga Living Well

Women's Health Men's Health Aging Well Teens

Featured Topics

BMI Calculator: Get Personalized Results Portion Size Plate: Easy Serving Size Guide Your Birth Control Options 19 Secrets Men Wish Women Knew Quiz: Weird, Crazy Dreams Food & Fitness Planner: Personalize Your Weight Loss Plan

WebMD the Magazine App

WebMD the Magazine logo Get every issue of WebMD the Magazine with a free subscription for your iPad. Family & Pregnancy

Featured Content

Family at airport Traveling abroad?

Protect yourself and your family by learning which health precautions and vaccines are advised for your destination.

Family and Pregnancy Centers

pregnant woman Pregnancy Trying to Conceive First Trimester Second Trimester Third Trimester mom, dad, and baby Parenting Newborn & Baby Children's Health Children's Vaccines Raising Fit Kids Back to School Health Guide Cat and dog on grass Pets Healthy Cats Healthy Dogs

Featured Topics

Know the Signs of Early Pregnancy? Test Your Smarts: What’s Safe to Eat When You’re Pregnant? Peek Inside the Womb to See How Baby Grows Healthy School Lunches Quiz: Know How to Avoid The Next Toddler Meltdown? WebMD Vaccine Tracker: Manage Vaccinations for Your Entire Family

WebMD Baby App

WebMD Baby App logo Get parenting tips, track schedules, and create a mobile baby book. News & Experts

News

View All WebMD logo Today's Top Health Headlines WebMD logo Get the Latest Drug Approvals & Alerts Find FDA Consumer Updates On The Road Again: FDA Mobile Laboratories Sign up to receive WebMD’s award-winning content delivered to your inbox.

WebMD Health Experts and Community

Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.

WebMD Experts & Blogs

Read expert views and commentary on popular health topics. WebMD Communities

Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life. WebMD Answers

Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.

Get Answers

WebMD Newsletters

closeup of newsletter Sign up to receive WebMD’s award-winning content delivered to your inbox. My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer Show more Information If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success Manage your family's vaccinations Join the conversation See more benefits Sign Up Why WebMD? My WebMD Show Menu My Tools My WebMD Pages My Account Sign Out FacebookTwitterPinterest WebMD Home next page Sleep Disorders Health Center next page Sleep Disorders Feature Stories Email a FriendPrint Article

Sleep Disorder Trends:

Sleep Apnea Leg Cramps Insomnia Restless Legs Syndrome Narcolepsy Snoring Sleep Disorders Health Center Tools & ResourcesHot Flashes and Night SweatsJobs That Wreck Your Sleep Sleep Aids Q&A10 Ways to Rest With a Cold When Nightmares Won't Go AwayMost Commonly Abused Drugs webmd.m.share.init(); Font Size A A A webmd.m.fontSizer.init(); For College Students, Yes, Sleep Matters Cramming for exams and late night parties may seem "normal," but they're not good for your brain. BySusan Davis
WebMD the Magazine - Feature Reviewed byBrunilda Nazario, MD

Q: My friend says I'm ruining my health by pulling all-nighters, but I say it's no big deal. Who's right?

A: You're kidding, right? People do vary slightly in their sleep needs, but the idea that a person can exist on three or four -- or no -- hours of sleep a night is FALSE. In fact, you're in the crowd of college students who are chronically sleep-deprived -- which research links to a variety of health problems.

Recommended Related to Sleep Disorders Understanding Insomnia -- the Basics

Insomnia means having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having unrefreshing sleep. Insomnia is one of the most commonly reported health problems: about one in three people encounters insomnia symptoms in a given year. Approximately 10% of people have chronic insomnia. Women are affected more often than men, and increased rates of insomnia are reported by the elderly. Insomnia can be a symptom of another disease or condition, an effect of a medication or drug, as well as its own disorder...

Read the Understanding Insomnia -- the Basics article > >

"Lack of sleep impairs your ability to learn, remember, and process new facts," says Donna Arand, PhD, DABSM, clinical director of the Kettering Sleep Disorders Center in Dayton, Ohio. That sort of defeats the purpose of trading sleep for studying in the first place.

That's not to say occasional all-nighters are disastrous. Just keep them to a minimum, and clock nine hours as often as you can. Your brain and body (and your friend) will thank you.

Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of "WebMD the Magazine."

View Article Sources Sources

SOURCE:

Donna Arand, PhD, DABSM, clinical director, Kettering Sleep Disorders Center, Dayton, Ohio.

Reviewed on July 15, 2012 © 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. #url_reference {display: none};#url_reference { display: block; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; }#logo_rdr img { visibility: visible; }.titleBar_rdr .titleBarMiddle_fmt { padding-top: 1.5em !important;} Top Picks How to Handle Gout Flare-Ups Is Depression Wrecking Your Sleep? Which Pain Relivers are Best For You? Sleep Deprivation and Overactive Bladder Sleep Needs: Is Your Child Getting Enough? 13 Jobs That Can Wreck Your Sleep Sleep Disorders Home Sleep Disorders News Sleep Disorders Reference Sleep Disorders Videos Sleep Disorders Community Sleep Disorders Questions and Answers Sleep Disorders Glossary Sleep Disorders Medications Guide Sleep Disorders Guide 1 Overview & Facts 2 Symptoms & Types 3 Diagnosis & Tests 4 Treatment & Care 5 Living & Managing 6 Support & Resources Related to Sleep Disorders Circadian Rhythm Insomnia Natural Sleep Remedies Restless Legs Syndrome Sleep Apnea Snoring Teeth Grinding More Related Topics .isthisnormal .pane1 .last .radio_input {float:left;width:100px;}.isthisnormal .answer .level_graphic .range div {line-height:200%;}Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!How Many Hours Did You Sleep Last Night?My Number:Is that amount of sleep typical for you?YesNo, I usually get moreNo, I usually get lessDid you get enough sleep to feel alert today and function at your best?YesNoGet the latest Sleep Disorders newsletter delivered to your inbox!

I have read and agree to WebMD's Privacy Policy.
or Answer:0-67-89+

Your level is currently

You say you are able to function well with fewer than seven hours of sleep. Some people say they can function on four to six hours of sleep each night, but research shows that adults who get fewer than seven hours of sleep — whether for just one night or over the course of days, weeks, or months — have more difficulty concentrating and more mood problems than people who sleep seven to nine hours.

Since you usually get too little sleep, please talk to your doctor about your sleep patterns. Poor quality sleep can affect many areas of your life and health, and your doctor may be able to help you if you have insomnia or other conditions affecting your sleep.

Sleep deprivation can have both short- and long-term consequences. Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's not surprising you feel that you're not functioning at your best today. Some people say they can function on four to six hours of sleep each night, but research shows that adults who get fewer than seven hours of sleep — whether for just one night or over the course of days, weeks, or months — have more difficulty concentrating and more mood problems than people who sleep seven to nine hours.

Since you usually get too little sleep, please talk to your doctor about your sleep patterns. Poor quality sleep can affect many areas of your life and health, and your doctor may be able to help you if you have difficulty sleeping, have insomnia, or have other sleep disorders.

Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's not surprising you feel that you're not functioning at your best today. Some people say they can function on four to six hours of sleep each night, but research shows that adults who get fewer than seven hours of sleep — whether for just one night or over the course of days, weeks, or months — have more difficulty concentrating and more mood problems than people who sleep seven to nine hours.

It's good that you usually do get more sleep, since sleep deprivation can have both short- and long-term consequences. Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. And if you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

You say you are able to function well with fewer than seven hours of sleep. Some people say they can function on four to six hours of sleep each night, but research shows that adults who get fewer than seven hours of sleep — whether for just one night or over the course of days, weeks, or months — have more difficulty concentrating and more mood problems than people who sleep seven to nine hours.

It's good that you usually do get more sleep because sleep deprivation can have both short- and long-term consequences. Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. And if you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's not surprising you feel that you're not functioning at your best today. Some people say they can function on four to six hours of sleep each night, but research shows that adults who get fewer than seven hours of sleep — whether for just one night or over the course of days, weeks, or months — have more difficulty concentrating and more mood problems than people who sleep seven to nine hours.

Since you usually get less sleep, please talk to your doctor about your sleep patterns. Poor quality sleep can affect many areas of your life and health, and your doctor may be able to help you if you have difficulty sleeping or have insomnia or other sleep disorders.

Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's wonderful that you got a good night's sleep last night. Many people struggle to do so. Having a good sleep routine often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health. Whether your sleep routine involves taking a warm bath, reading a book, or meditating, it's important to keep your bedtime and routine consistent every night and wake up around the same time every morning.

Click here to read more about the importance of sleep. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's unfortunate you're not functioning at your best today. You say you had a good quantity of sleep last night, but maybe the quality of your sleep is not as good as it could be? Having a good sleep routine — including a consistent bedtime and wake time — often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health. Since you usually sleep this amount, if you often aren't feeling your best, you should consider talking to your doctor. Could you have an underlying condition? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Have you taken medication that disrupted your sleep? Do you or could you have sleep apnea? Or do you naturally require a little bit more sleep?

Although sleep is crucial for optimal health, some research suggests that sleeping too much can also have negative consequences. Learn more about sleep. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's unfortunate you're not functioning at your best today. You say you had a good quantity of sleep last night, but maybe the quality of your sleep is not as good as it could be? Having a good sleep routine — including a consistent bedtime and wake time — often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health. Since you usually sleep longer, if you often aren't feeling your best, you should consider talking to your doctor. Could you have an underlying condition? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Have you taken medication that disrupted your sleep? Do you or could you have sleep apnea? Or do you naturally require a little bit more sleep?

Although sleep is crucial for optimal health, some research suggests that sleeping too much can also have negative consequences. Learn more about sleep. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's wonderful that you got a good night's sleep last night. Many people struggle to do so. Having a good sleep routine often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health. Whether your sleep routine involves taking a warm bath, reading a book, or meditating, it's also important to keep bedtime consistent and wake up around the same time every morning.

Although sleep is crucial for optimal health, some research suggests that sleeping too much can have negative consequences. Learn more about sleep. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's unfortunate you're not functioning at your best today. You say you had a good quantity of sleep last night, but maybe the quality of your sleep is not as good as it could be? Having a good sleep routine — including a consistent bedtime and waking up at the same time — often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health.

Since you usually get less sleep, please talk to your doctor about your sleep patterns. Poor quality sleep can affect many areas of your life and health, and your doctor may be able to help you if you have insomnia, another sleep disorder, or conditions affecting your sleep.

Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

It's wonderful that you got a good night's sleep last night. Many people struggle to do so. Having a good sleep routine often is the key to getting the quality sleep night after night that your body needs for optimal health.

Since you usually get less sleep, talk to your doctor about your sleep patterns. Poor quality sleep can affect many areas of your life and health, and your doctor may be able to help you if you have insomnia or another sleep disorder or conditions affecting your sleep.

Learn more about the health consequences of sleep loss. If you're concerned about having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, assess your risk for a sleep disorder.

Thank you for signing up for the WebMD Sleep Disorders Newsletter!

You'll find tips and tricks as well as the latest news and research on Sleep Disorders.

View Sources

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Effect of short sleep duration on daily activities--United States, 2005-2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2011; 60:239.

Carskadon, MA, Dement, WC. Normal Human Sleep: An Overview. In: Principles and Practices of Sleep Medicine, Fifth, Kryger, MH, Roth, et al. (Eds), Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO 2011. p.16.

Harvard University: "Sleep, Performance, and Public Safety."

Did You Know Lifestyle Choices
Impact Your Sleep?

Use the WebMD Sleep Tracker to track
your ZZZs over time.

Get StartedThis tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.

Start Over Step:  of 

Today in Sleep Disorders Alcohol Disrupting Your Sleep Article 6 Surprising Sleep Wreckers Sweating Evaluator Article Night Sweats Keeping You Awake?   Lavender sprig Article Can Herbs Help Me Sleep? Always Sleepy Causes Fixes For Fat Slideshow Always Sleepy? Causes, Fixes for Fatigue   Young woman sleeping Quiz Dreams: How Much Do You Know? The Truth About Naps Article The Truth About Naps   Fight Fatigue Sleepiness On The Road Article ADHD and Sleep Disorders Woman with insomnia Quiz Sleep and Crazy Hours on the Job   nurse sleeping ARTICLE Jobs That Wreck Your Sleep Foods That Help Or Harm Your Sleep SLIDESHOW Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep   Insomnia 20 Tips For Better Sleep Slideshow Insomnia: 20 Tips for Better Sleep Pain at Night ARTICLE 10 Tips to Ease Nighttime Pain   Subscribe to WebMD Newsletters

WebMD Daily Women's Health Men's Health Weight Loss Wisdom I have read and agree to WebMD's Privacy Policy. Sign up for more topics! WebMD Special Sections Sleep Well for Health Sleep Quiz: Do You Know Your Sleep A-to-Zzzzs? Health Solutions From Our Sponsors Aching Back? Are You Depressed? Birth Control for Moms Bipolar Disorder? Hearing Aid Alternative Fibromyalgia Center Injectable RA Treatment Diagnosed With Low T? Joint Pain Help Center Osteoarthritis Center Options for Depression COPD Treatment RA Patient Support Severe Hearing Loss? Women & Heart Disease In-depth coverage: Is Your Psoriasis Treatment on Target?|Guide to a Healthy Mouth|Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Check|Ulcerative Colitis: Diet Dos & Don'ts|Diabetes and Your Body Find us on:URAC: Accredited Health Web SiteTRUSTe online privacy certificationHonCode: Health on the Net FoundationAdChoicesAbout WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact UsMedscape Reference eMedicineHealth RxList Medscape MedicineNet BootsWebMD WebMD CorporateFirst Aid WebMD the Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory

©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

No comments:

Post a Comment