Written by Ashel Parsons
If you look around a classroom full of students, I’m sure you will see someone either staring off into nowhere or actually sleeping.
Harding University students seem to be lacking in sleep, which is negatively affecting many academically. Most students, teachers and nurses agree that not getting enough sleep is making it a lot more difficult for students to do their best in school.
According to many students, sleep has a lot to do with how focused they are in class. Students said because lack of sleep they become unfocused, sleepy and unable to retain information. For some its a negative cycle. They are so tired and unfocused in class that they miss what the teacher is saying; therefore they have to stay up late to teach themselves what they missed in class.
Some students may think they get away with sleeping in class, but its almost certain that teacher take notice. Many teachers have a policy about sleeping in class. Harding University Bible department professor Andrew Baker said that if he sees students sleeping in class he marks them absent for the day.
“Blank-stare people academically struggle.” said Baker.
Teachers often see the negative academic effects poor sleeping habits have on students.
“I have noticed students not following directions or missing something I know I said,” nursing teacher Priscilla Parsons said. “I have linked that back to students dozing in class.”
The Harding nurses notice the effects of students not getting enough sleep. RN Lynn McCarty said that based on the number of students coming into the health clinic, they are not getting enough sleep. She also said that not enough sleep hurts the body’s immune system, and with so many viruses going around it is easier to catch one.
McCarty blames “poor time management” because some students choose to do other things instead of doing their work, which results in them having to stay up late to get school work done. Also some stay out late when it would be better for their bodies to get rest.
So what would be some good advise? McCarty said that students need to practice good “sleep hygiene,” which means going to bed at the same time every night. Also don’t use the bed for anything other then sleeping. Get into the mindset for sleeping before you get in bed; for example, don’t exercise right before sleeping, nor drink caffeine.
A lot of this seems like common sense, but it is always good to be reminded. But even if students know the facts about good and bad sleeping habits, they may not change their minds about how they are going to spend their time. It seems to be the way of a college student. Students must decide for themselves if not getting enough sleep is worth it.
