Does your body clock need a reset?
Winter break has almost left us behind, and the Spring semester is coming quickly. Going from staying up until early morning to waking up for 8 am classes is sure to leave your body feeling confused and tired. Here are a few tricks to getting your sleep schedule back to normal so you can feel well rested and ready to take on the new semester.
Go to bed at the same time every night, and wake up at the same time every day– no more snooze!
It seems simple, but many people have trouble following this rule. If you go to bed at different times each day, and don’t stay consistent with the hours of sleep you’re getting, your body will feel sluggish and sleep-deprived. Aim to get between 8 and 10 hours– that seems like a lot, but you will definitely notice a difference. For example: get to bed by 11 p.m. and wake up at 8 a.m. for a solid and refreshing sleep.
Unplug before turning out the lights.
The light from phones, computers, and TV’s can trick the body into thinking it is still daytime, and therefore keeping you awake. Give your eyes a rest from the screens before bedtime and see the difference in sleep.
Make sure your sleeping area is clean and decluttered.
Nothing throws off a good rest like feeling crumbs from dinner in your sheets. Make sure that your bed is clean and there’s nothing that can be disturbed while you sleep. Designate your bed for sleeping, instead of studying and eating, and it will be much more relaxing when it’s time to sleep.
Exercise, don’t nap.
It seems like the opposite of what you feel like doing when that mid-afternoon slump hits, but exercising when you’re feeling tired can boost your daytime energy which makes it easier to fall asleep at night. Working out mid-day will also help you feel more tired before bed, but beware of exercising too close to bedtime, as the extra energy can keep you awake.
Create a routine.
A routine is one of the easiest ways for your mind to know it’s time for sleep. Whatever yours may be, be sure to do it before bed every night to get your mind in the space for sleep. Taking a sleep supplement like melatonin can help the body get to sleep and stay asleep for the nights where nothing seems to work, however; it is better to fall asleep naturally.
Take on the Spring semester each day with a fully recharged mind! Sleep is one of the most important things to get as a college student, and with a steady sleep schedule you’ll see a difference in every aspect of your life!
About the Author
Kenzie has been a senior writer for the WVUGo Media Team since August 2019. She
is pursuing her degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with focuses in Advertising,
Public Relations, Creative Writing and Interactive Media Design and anticipates
graduating in May of 2020.
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