While managing classes, assignments, work, and social activities, sleep is often last on a long list of priorities for college students. It can not only be hard to find the time to get enough sleep every night, but also the space to do so comfortably. Yet, sleep is still one of the most important things for your body as it can help you manage stress, process information better, and leave you more prepared for the next day. Here are a few tricks to help you get your snooze on!
Plan for Sleep
Planning sleep into your daily schedule by giving yourself a set bedtime can help you stay motivated throughout the day to get all of your work done earlier so you have more time for sleep. It also gets you into the habit of making sleep a priority everyday so that you can start to consistently get enough sleep, making it easier to keep up the pattern. Planning your bedtime and wake-up times, and staying consistent with them helps your body better regulate itself leading to an easier time falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up in the morning, making the most out of your sleep time so you wake up every morning feeling refreshed and energized!
Use an Eye Mask
We’ve all had that experience of wanting to go to sleep but a roommate is still up doing homework with the light on. Having an eye mask allows you to block out all light and fall asleep regardless of what else is going on in your room. It is also helpful in the morning as the sun rises so that you don’t wake up to the light before your alarm goes off, getting as much sleep as you can. Moonlit’s sleeping eye mask is great because it’s super soft and the adjustable strap keeps it on all night long!
Grab a Pair of Ear Plugs
Using earplugs is a great way to block out any distracting sounds from your roommates or from outside. Once you pop them in, you can more easily slip into a calm, relaxed state of mind, ready for sleep. But I know what you’re thinking, won’t you not be able to hear your alarm go off in the morning?
Vibrating Alarm Clocks
I recently got a vibrating alarm clock so that I didn’t have to bring my phone to use as an alarm in my top bunk and let me say, it is a game-changer. Not only do you remove the temptation to use your phone, but vibrating alarm clocks are easier to wake up to. No more sleeping through your alarms if you can’t hear it go off, these buzzing alarms are sure to wake you up instantly! And they won’t disrupt your roommate - just turn it on and place it under your pillow every night before bed. Setting the alarm every day also helps you stay conscious about the amount of sleep you’re getting and leaves your body more prepared to wake up at that time in the morning.
I use this SHARP vibrating alarm from Amazon.
Get Some Air Circulation
Stuffy, hot air can be a big problem especially in small dorms and apartments, and even more so if you happen to be stuck with a top bunk like me! Having a small fan that you can clamp onto the edge of your bed can keep the air moving and keep you cool, leading to a better night’s sleep.
I like this little 6-inch fan from Amazon.
Make Your Bed a Sleep-Only Zone
This one’s the hardest but probably the most important. Designating your bed as space you only use for sleep helps remind your body it’s time for bed every night when you crawl in. Doing schoolwork or other things besides sleeping in your bed can cause you to associate your bed with stressful things and staying awake. By removing all distractions from your bed and making sure it is a space just for rest can help you make the most out of your time in bed and get the sleep you need to keep grinding the next day!