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Jamar Shackelford
Jamar Shackelford

ENG 1101

Professor

October 24, 2021

How Does Sleep Affect the Mental and Physical health of college students?

In my research essay I will be writing about the question “How Does Sleep Affect the Mental

and Physical health of college students? “ I chose to write about this question because I am a

current college student who is currently struggling to the correct amount of sleep. I also have

several siblings along with some close friends who are currently attending college and their

sleeping habits is something they are also trying to improve. This is a major issue that not just

college students but, most people around the world overlook. A lot of people do not realize how

serious and important sleep is, especially when you are a college student trying to overcome

many different obstacle-like sports, jobs, and schoolwork.

Some key points that I have noticed in multiple articles are that 8 hours or sleep is recommended.

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of many mental health problems, such as depression,

anxiety, and even anger. Things like coffee and energy drinks can affect your sleeping schedule.

Over the years scientists and doctors have conducted studies and surveys to determine the proper

amount of sleep necessary for children and young adults. According to the article Guide to Sleep

for College Students, “Typical college freshmen should sleep 7-9 hours a night” (TB). Lack of

sleep and college student’s mental health are linked very closely. According to the article
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Insufficient sleep linked to mental health in college students and athletes, “It was really

surprising to see how strongly insufficient sleep was associated with a wide variety of mental

health symptoms among college students,” (TR).

Mental health is very important, especially in the youth and young adults. With college students

having to take on so much mentally and physically, their mental health should be checked on

regularly. With sleep being an important part of a student’s life, the lack of it can cause many

mental health issues. The article Insufficient sleep linked to mental health in college students and

athletes states that, “With every additional night of insufficient sleep, the risk of experiencing

mental health symptoms increased on average by more than 20% – including an increased risk of

21% for depressed mood, 24% for hopelessness, 24% for anger, 25% for anxiety, 25% for desire

to self-harm, 28% for functional problems, and 28% for suicide ideation.“ These statistics are

alarming because these mental health issues are very serious, and you really would not think that

the lack of sleep can cause this much harm.

According to the article, Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. Other

factors that may affect sleep in college students are Alcohol, Caffeine/ Energy Drinks,

Technology, and Stimulants. As stated in the article, “Approximately four out of five college

students drink alcohol, with nearly 40% of men and women reporting “binge drinking” at least

4–5 drinks in a row within the last 14 days” (SH). Alcohol can shorten sleep latency but also has

been used as a sleep aid. It can also increase the risk for sleep apnea. The influx of energy drink

use and consumption from college students can be directly linked to the lack of sleep students are

receiving.
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Jamar Shackelford

While we all should know by now how addicting cell phones can be, especially at night. Cell

phones can prevent you from getting the proper amount of sleep proving to be just as addicting

as common drugs. The article states that “Generation Y’ers” (adults aged 19–29 years old) are

heavy users of technology prior to bed: 67% use cell phones, 43% music devices, 60%

computers, and 18% video games. The majority (51%) report rarely getting a good night’s sleep

and often wake unrefreshed.” (SH). Stimulants are similar to technology; both causes its users to

not get the correct amount of sleep. Unlike technology stimulants are meant to keep students up.

Stimulants are used by students to “stay awake to study”, they are also used to help students

concentrate and focus.

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Jamar Shackelford

Work Cited

Brody, Jane E. “An Underappreciated Key to College Success: Sleep.” The New York Times, The

New York Times, 13 Aug. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/08/13/well/an-underappreciated-

key-to-college-success-sleep.html. 

“Guide to Sleep for College Students.” Affordable Colleges Online, 9 July 2021,

www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/guide-to-sleeping-for-college-

students-and-teens/. 

“Insufficient Sleep Linked to Mental Health in College Students - AASM.” American Academy of

Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers, 7 June 2019,

aasm.org/insufficient-sleep-college-student-athletes/. 

“Why You Should Make a Good Night's Sleep a Priority.” Harvard Summer School, 28 May

2021, summer.harvard.edu/blog/why-you-should-make-a-good-nights-sleep-a-priority/. 

Sleep and the College Student. [Electronic Resource]. Films Media Group, 2011. EBSCOhost,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cat01128a&AN=scc.b1607322&site=eds-live.