Are you a morning bird? A night owl? Or have you turned into some kind of permanently exhausted pigeon?

 College is busy. October of the fall semester is especially busy, as you’ll be encountering due dates of homework, group projects, and papers. Also coming soon to a classroom near you: midterms. All of that hard work and hours of studying on top of your extracurriculars can make you very tired. That’s why sleep hygiene is so important. 

What are some ways to get your best sleep?

•  Stick to a routine. Having a bedtime routine lets your brain know it’s time to rest and that helps you fall asleep faster. 
• Use relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to fall asleep when stress and anxiety are keeping you up. 
• Keep your room cool and dark; studies show that a cooler temperature actually makes for better sleep. Experiment with windows, fans, and different blankets to find what is most comfortable for you. 
• Exercise during the day, but at the latest make sure it is at least three hours before you want to go to bed.
• Put your phone down! This is the hardest thing for most of us, but the light given off by your screen actually tricks your brain into thinking it’s daylight and time to wake up, which is the opposite of what you want.
• And lastly, don’t watch the clock! Turn your alarm clock to face away from you during the night. This prevents you from stressing about how much sleep you’re getting.

 Have a good night!

Upperclassmen Advice:
“Don’t neglect your health trying to get everything done. Your best work will come from when you feel your best so make sure to exercise and get sleep” – Corey C., chemical engineering