Sleep: Are You Getting' Any?
It's about time: 7-9
You need 7-9 hours of sleep a night. But that's not enough. Did you know that sleeping at the right time is crucial for health? Our bodies are synchronized with a 24-hour cycle. Eight hours are for sleeping; 8 are for studying/working; and 8 are for organizing. The best time to sleep is when it's dark.
Sleep is food for our brain. The brain is always active: repairing and organizing itself and filing away memories. When we sleep, we re-fuel the brain. Sleep helps the pituitary gland releases a growth hormone, which is important for building and toning muscle.
Sleep protects. When you sleep, this growth hormone stimulates bone marrow, which is where the immune system cells are born. A strong immune system protects from you from getting sick, which can really mess up a semester.
When you have trouble sleeping:
- Don't drink alcohol. You'll go to sleep, but will wake up later in the night.
- Avoid caffeine after dinner.
- Don't smoke. Nicotine is actually a stimulant, not a relaxant.
- Go to bed around the same time every night.
- Sleep and have sex in your bed. Nothing else.
- Exercise before dinner, not after.
- Hibernating bears are onto something. For a good night's sleep, make your room cool and dark.
We can help you sleep.
The Counseling Center offers FREE:
- Meditation groups
- Drop in stress management consultations
- Sleep hygiene workshops
The Campus Recreation Center offers FREE:
- Yoga classes
- Free bikes to borrow
- Piloxing classes
- Fitness classes galore
Student Health Services offers FREE:
- Flu shots
- Basic office visits (Don't let a medical condition affect your sleep.)
- www.shs.usf.edu, 813-974-2331, SHS (next to the bookstore)
Wellness Education offers FREE:
- Nutrition counseling
- Condoms (Don't lose sleep worrying about pregnancy.)
- Visit us in the Wellness Center, Marshall Student Center, 1504