Keywords
sleep deprivation, sleep quality, college students, causes, effects
Disciplines
Health Psychology | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
This article is an examination of the various causes and effects of sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality in college students. Using various studies and articles as evidence, this review explores the causes of sleep deprivation in college students, and addresses the ways in which other parts of one's well-being may suffer as a result of sleep deprivation. The nature of life as a college student is not conducive to good quality sleep or sufficient amount of sleep, and the various detrimental factors to sleep quality, such as napping, technology, and social factors contribute to problems in other areas. According to existing literature, circadian rhythm-disrupting excessive napping, hyper-vigilance to technology, fear of missing out, and the social nature of life in a dorm room all contribute to sleep deprivation. Consequent problems in the areas of physical health, mental health, and academic performance are common. Such problems include weight gain, immune system deficiency, increased risk for cancer and Alzheimer’s, stress, anxiety, depression, poor memory and decreased concentration, lower grades and poorer test performance. Additionally, this review addresses possible solutions to the poor sleep quality that seems to be inherent in college life, such as sleep hygiene courses incorporated into program requirements, as well as areas for further research, such as the desire for college students to nap.
Recommended Citation
Pandolfo, Isabella E.. "Sleepless in College Town: Causes and Effects of Poor Sleep in College Students." The Review: A Journal of Undergraduate Student Research 23 (2022): -. Web. [date of access]. <https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/ur/vol23/iss1/6>.