I decided to focus on a problem that college students face today, which is getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. Whether it be that they are involved in extracurriculars-like sports or clubs-there are many contributing factors as to why the proper amount of sleep is not achieved in college.

With this substantial issue, I decided to interview a few friends on my floor to gain insight into their sleeping habits. I first asked them “Do you get enough sleep each night?” My friend Abigail simply said, “I don’t get enough sleep each night.” I then asked her why and she replied: “My mind doesn’t shut off as quickly at night.” I then asked my other friend Jess if she gets enough sleep per night, she replied, “absolutely not.” Her reasoning was “I am always busy during the day and overstimulated at night.” I could relate to my friends’ responses because I feel I am busy doing other activities during the day and end up going to bed late.

Next, I asked my friends Abigail, Juli, and Jess the question of “when you don’t get the adequate amount of sleep each night, what are some ways that you recognize that your mental health is affected?” Abigail responded by saying ” I feel unmotivated and can’t complete my work.” Juli stated that “I am more irritable towards my friends and overly emotional over the little things.” Lastly, Jess said that “I am cranky and not present.” I felt that this question was important to ask because a person’s mental health can be greatly affected by the amount of sleep they get. Without enough sleep, the brain won’t function properly.

By asking my friends these questions about sleep, it made me realize how common college students’ lack of sleep is. Many believe that you can catch up on your sleep after not getting the right amount the night before, however, long naps can disrupt your sleep pattern. It is paramount for college students to learn to have the proper sleep schedule, exercise, and eat the right nutrients. Diet and exercise play an important role in the way we sleep. College students should try to balance healthful activities and extracurriculars during the day to prepare for a good night’s rest. By procrastinating and staying up at all hours of the night, it can harm your mental health greatly and you won’t be able to give your full potential.