Sleep patterns of college students.

I knew before starting this article that college students generally don't set the best example for ideal sleep patterns. But reading about some of the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation is making me re-think my own sleep patterns.

Most often when I drive at night I become very dreary and end up swerving all over the road. I try and try to wake myself up, usually to no avail. I learned that some aren't as lucky as I have been to avoid an accident while driving tired. Forquer reports that nearly "55% of sleep-related accidents involve individuals younger than 25 years" (2008, para. 2).

I do find it interesting that they measured bedtimes and rise times, finding that "bedtimes on weekends were more than 1 hour later and rise times were more that 2 hours later"(Forquer, 2008, para.7). I would think this is a pretty common archetype among college students around the nation (private and public). I would have like to see a comparison of what the average adults' bedtime and rise times are. I doubt it is only public college students who follow this pattern of increased weekend activity.

I found myself relating to many of this major sleep issues listed as common among the students including: hearing a noise from someone else, needing to use the restroom, and stressing about something. I also wake frequently throughout the night like 21% of other college students.

Lastly, the author offers some advice on how to achieve a better night's sleep. One method being creating a consistent circadian rhythm (falling asleep at the same time each night). The also mentioned that naps should be kept to less than 1 hour, beds should only be used for sleeping, and that a bedroom should be a comfortable place.

Reference:
Forquer, LeAnne. Camden, Adrian. Gabriau, Krista, Johnson, C. (2008) Sleep Patterns of College Students at a Public University. Journal of American College Health Print, Volume 56, 563-565.