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Insomnia and mental health in college students

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When you think of students you probably find yourself thinking about young but exhausted people leaning over the books. Well, it is very close to the truth. Students are famously terrible sleepers. They barely ever have any sleep in the first place.

It does not matter whether it is due to the number of parties they attend or the amount of homework to do finishes. They are ready to sacrifice sleep over it all. As a result, most people of their age suffer from insomnia, which also leads to stress, anxiety, lack of concentration and many more. Sleep is essential to our health and overall well being, both physical and mental. Young people are most likely to be affected by these consequences. Mainly because they are only learning how to take care of themselves. This article will outline some of the health concerns that come with insomnia.

Insomnia is a symptom

Overall, young people should not have serious problems with sleep. Though if it is already happening, it is important to see whether it is a cause or a symptom. The difference between this is crucial in managing insomnia and finding the best treatment possible.

Hence, insomnia as a symptom can indicate a number of problems. Some of them come from the environment and a person’s habits. For example, eating habits, lack of sleeping routine, stress and so on. All of those reasons can perfectly sum up a typical student’s life. In the case of insomnia in college students happens due to their life habits the solution is to enhance inner discipline.

 Coming up with a healthy routine can not only help students to sleep better but to improve their mental health. Treating insomnia will help to reduce anxiety and depression. Thus, it will also help them to study, as a strong routine will leave no place for procrastination. Though if the homework is on the routine yet you can always find some find by typing “can you do my assignment for me” in a search.

Insomnia as a cause

At the same time insomnia can also cause a number of illnesses. Very often lack of sleep can cause problems with mental health. Hence, often the control over your sleep can give you control over your emotions or even psychological problems. Lack of sleep college students can often ignore or take as a norm. That is a very dangerous road to take. Especially if to consider that insomnia often can provoke such mental health conditions as paranoia, severe anxiety, hallucinations, and depression. Once a person has those conditions they require a specialist’s help. Though, if to treat insomnia on time, such serious consequences can be avoided.

What to do in case of insomnia

First of good and stable routine is crucial to good night’s sleep. This means getting up and going to bed at approximately the same time. Such measures will help your body to respond better when it is time to rest and when to be active. Also, a nighttime routine is another important step to a night of good sleep. For example, bright light is not great for a pre-bedtime. Better to stay in a darker and quiet room.

Don’t eat anything heavy right before bed, or you will have problems digesting, which will affect your sleep. Try to keep your eyes off the phone or any other screens at least an hour before bed. Bright screen light sends to your brain signals to stay active even long after you put your phone down. Stretching also helps to combat insomnia. A 15-minute yoga before bed will relax your muscles and inform your body that it is time to rest. Overall, try to stay calm and relax before, avoid any stress and fully enjoy the rare moment of peace.

Conclusion

Insomnia should not and can not be taken less than serious. Especially during college when young people already have enough reasons to stress and worry. Though exactly during this time most students start to neglect their sleep for other activities, like studying and going out. Though those things are a part of the necessary experience for students, they should not come at the cost of their mental and physical health. With this being said, watching over your sleeping habits and treating insomnia is a priority for those who already have a history of mental health conditions. Hopefully, this article was helpful. Stay well and healthy. And have a great sleep tonight!

About the Author

Sandra is a professional writer and one of the owners of https://elizabethanauthors.org/. She has been in this profession for over fifteen years, and she is familiar with all sorts of formal, academic writings and styles.

David Smith