Page 2 of 2
A much more serious problem is that lack of sleep also affects your alertnesss and slows down your reaction time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes about 100,000 automobile crashes, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities every year.
In addition, not getting enough sleep also affects your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to disease, such as the common cold.
The less sleep you get the more stress you will feel. It is actually harder to relax when you feel tense and tired throughout the day, and then even the smallest tasks can seem overwhelming.
What Can You Do?
- Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Your body will get used to this rythm and will be prepared to slow down and rest when you go to sleep at night, and to wake up and be alert in the morning.
- Avoid sleeping in on the weekends. Rather take a nap during the day when you feel tired.
- Don't work and sleep in the same place. If you study in bed, it will be more difficult for your body to go into 'sleeping mode'. Therefore, try to have a 'work area' and a 'sleep' area in your room or apartment.
- Don't drink coffee, black tea, or soda before you go to sleep. These beverages all contain caffeine, which is a stimulant and will keep you awake!
- Exercise can also have a stimulant effect on your body. Avoid working out 2-3 hours before you go to bed.
- Want to test your knowledge about sleep or find out more about your own sleep patterns? Take a sleep test.
Previous 1|2
