The staff of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital’s Sleep Center said waking up and going to sleep at the same time seven days a week provides the correct amount of healthy sleep.
“Individuals between the ages of eight to mid-20s need at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep to actually develop and grow properly,” said Joanne Hebding, a registered polysomnographic technician at TMH. “If you deprive someone of enough sleep it is going to affect their daily life. Insomnia is a common disorder that is an example of this.”
With busy schedules, students find it hard to stick to a consistent sleep pattern.
“Sleep is something that I don’t get a lot of,” said Justin Harris, 23, a FAMU political science graduate. “My job prevents me from sleeping as regularly as I would like and it sometimes slows me down.”
Most experts agree that distractions in the bedroom cause confusion and lead to poor sleeping habits. Keeping laptops, cellphones, TV remotes and other electronic devices within reach does not allow the mind to relax.
People often use substances such as alcohol and medications as remedies for their inability to sleep.
“Alcohol is a sedative, and it will put you to sleep quicker, but you will not hit all the deep stages of sleep that are necessary for a proper night’s rest,” said Hebding.
Hebding also said medication is always the last item on the list of methods for treatment for sleep related disorders.
Students are aware that adjustments in sleep hygiene can be very influential in curing sleep disorders.
“I’m constantly sleeping, and every time I wake up, I’m still tired and it’s like I never went to sleep,” said Kaylyn Harris, 20, a junior occupation and wellness student from Atlanta. “I get a good amount to sleep, but it is never on a consistent basis.”