Despite heavy workloads, experts warn against lost sleep

Sleep is critical for college kids living on their own for the first time

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Only about half all college students said they feel they get enough sleep three days per week or less, according to a 2012 Survey.

There are alot of changes from high school to college. One of those is students really get the opportunity to set their own bedtime.

Experts say creating good sleeping patterns is critical for college students who are living on their own for the very first time. 

"Any kind of activity right before you go to sleep is going to disrupt your sleep, even sending emails, talking on the phone, playing video games, working out, having late night chat sessions will effect your sleep pattern" said Dr.  Jennifer Fulton with Baptist Medical Center.

Fulton suggests parents talk to their students about getting into a good sleep pattern before they go to bed by doing things that will make the brain relax.

There are a lot of changes from high school to college. One of those is students really get the opportunity to set their own bedtime.

"It's important for college students to get in the practice of brushing their teeth, washing their face, perhaps reading a little bit to relax before getting a good nights rest."

Fulton says if you are in a relaxed state before you go to sleep and still cannot rest adequately, you may have a sleep disorder which can be treated by a sleep specialist.

Fulton says sleep is important to retaining information in class.

Sleep is essentially recharging and revitalizing the brain. If you cannot sleep adequately, your brain cannot function adequately."

Sleep is essentially recharging and revitalizing the brain," he said. "If you cannot sleep adequately, your brain cannot function adequately."


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Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.