Spring Break
Pills prove detrimental for sleep-deprivation
While finding time to sleep is difficult, turning to pills may not be the best answer
Brittney Menard
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
While making the transition to college life, many students have a difficult time adjusting their sleeping patterns.
As students realize the freedom they have to set their own internal clock, they can do more harm than good.
According to the University of Michigan Health Services Department, sleeping less than six and a half or more than nine hours per night is associated with a 1.7 times greater risk of disease.
Potential diseases include depression, anxiety and unstable insulin levels in the body, which can eventually lead to diabetes.
The aid of medications to solve sleeping problems may not always be the best solution for insomniacs.
The Education Training Research Association (ETR) believes that over-the-counter sleeping pills (antihistamines) are satisfactory for occasional sleep problems such as jet-lag, feelings of nervousness or excitement about an upcoming event.
However, many sleeping pills can leave negative side effects, and consumers may feel excessively drowsy in the morning.
Extreme caution should be taken when using these medications.
On the reverse side, the amphetamines in caffeine pills are strongly addictive.
According to the ETR, using amphetamines to stay awake is risky for one's health.
The next time students have to cram before another test or project deadline, they should be aware of these concerns.
"I don't rely on caffeine pills or sleeping pills, but energy drinks yes," said David Meril, a freshman majoring in earth science and a member of the ROTC on campus.
With the increased amount of activity college students experience in their schedules, is it possible to manage the correct amount of sleep?
The American College Health Association suggests maintaining a regular "sleep and wake" time schedule, engaging in a relaxing activity before bed such as reading or listening to a radio and avoiding caffeine, nicotine or alcohol close to bedtime.
The ACHA also encourages students to be careful about taking too many naps. Even though a nap may be tempting after an 8 a.m. class, sleeping too much or too often during the day can interfere with sleeping at night.
As students realize the freedom they have to set their own internal clock, they can do more harm than good.
According to the University of Michigan Health Services Department, sleeping less than six and a half or more than nine hours per night is associated with a 1.7 times greater risk of disease.
Potential diseases include depression, anxiety and unstable insulin levels in the body, which can eventually lead to diabetes.
The aid of medications to solve sleeping problems may not always be the best solution for insomniacs.
The Education Training Research Association (ETR) believes that over-the-counter sleeping pills (antihistamines) are satisfactory for occasional sleep problems such as jet-lag, feelings of nervousness or excitement about an upcoming event.
However, many sleeping pills can leave negative side effects, and consumers may feel excessively drowsy in the morning.
Extreme caution should be taken when using these medications.
On the reverse side, the amphetamines in caffeine pills are strongly addictive.
According to the ETR, using amphetamines to stay awake is risky for one's health.
The next time students have to cram before another test or project deadline, they should be aware of these concerns.
"I don't rely on caffeine pills or sleeping pills, but energy drinks yes," said David Meril, a freshman majoring in earth science and a member of the ROTC on campus.
With the increased amount of activity college students experience in their schedules, is it possible to manage the correct amount of sleep?
The American College Health Association suggests maintaining a regular "sleep and wake" time schedule, engaging in a relaxing activity before bed such as reading or listening to a radio and avoiding caffeine, nicotine or alcohol close to bedtime.
The ACHA also encourages students to be careful about taking too many naps. Even though a nap may be tempting after an 8 a.m. class, sleeping too much or too often during the day can interfere with sleeping at night.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Comments by registered users are approved by default.