Fight Daytime Sleepiness

July 16th, 2008

As a busy college student, it’s pretty likely that your time and energy is stretched to the limit. Between classes, work, homework and trying to have a social life, you likely don’t get a whole lot of sleep. While not getting enough sleep certainly isn’t good for your long term health, it can also have the short term effect of causing you to feel sleepy, burned out and sluggish throughout the day. As you know, the only real solution to daytime sleepiness is to get more nighttime rest but there are a few things you can do to help fight your head from drooping and your eyes from closing while you’re in class or at work today.

Eat right. If you’re taking in a steady diet of soda, Taco Bell and pizza, it’s pretty likely that a part of that sleepiness you’re experiencing is due to not getting the nutrition you need. When it comes time to eat, don’t just reach for what’s fast. Look for healthy, nutrient rich foods that will fill you up and provide your body with the energy it needs.

Keep a schedule. In the chaotic world of college students, sticking to a schedule could be tough but it can be one way to help you fight the daytime drowsiness that saps your energy and alertness in class. Go to bed around the same time each night, keep a meal schedule and start resetting your body’s internal clock.

Work out. You might not think a workout would do much besides make you even more tired, but for some it can do the opposite. Getting your blood flowing and your body moving can help fight that drowsiness and make you feel better and healthier for the rest of the day. Better yet, the exertion could make you sleepier come bedtime.

Skip the mind-altering substances. Whether you’re using caffeine to perk you up during the day or a nightcap to help you fall asleep at night you’re not doing yourself any favors. Alcohol will decrease the quality of your sleep and caffeine can make you jittery and even more tired when you crash.

No more naps. Naps in many cases can actually aggravate daytime sleepiness. So if you think catching a few minutes of sleep will help you through the day, you’re probably not helping the situation and could just be making yourself more drowsy. Plus, naps during the day make it harder to go to sleep at night.

If you aren’t getting the rest you need, you could be feeling pretty sleepy come mid-day. Try out these tips for a quick solution to daytime tiredness. They could help you be more alert, get more out of class and perform better as a student.