It can be particularly difficult to get a full night’s sleep in college. At times, dorms can be unbearably noisy and often social events or assignments can take precedence over obtaining some much needed shut-eye. In your case, it seems that you are trying to sleep, but still find it hopeless. There are numerous reasons as to why this might be happening, reaching far beyond your loud next-door neighbors.


Research from Swanson Health Center points out the link between dietary problems, lack of exercise and sleep disruptions. You may be deficient in nutrients or need to balance your blood sugar levels. Consuming a protein drink made with raw whey or a blend of hemp, pea, chia and rice protein before going to bed can help keep blood sugar level during the night. You may also simply be not getting enough exercise. According to Alex “anyone that has spent the day hiking or doing a strenuous activity for an hour or two knows that if you are physically exhausted, it’s hard to try and stay awake at night. This is different from feeling exhausted all the time. Continuous exercise will actually give you mental and physical energy during the day, while helping your body shut down at night.”


High levels of stress and anxiety might be contributing to your sleep disturbances. In this case, you could benefit from reading, journaling, or practicing meditation before bed. Try to resist using your computer. The bright light and fast-moving images on your computer screen can disrupt the production of melatonin and further stimulate you.


If you are considering taking prescription sleeping pills, you might want to reconsider. Dr. Mercola notes that some prescription sleeping pills actually have a half-life that is as high as eighteen hours. This accounts for the reason many people feel groggy in the mornings after taking them and are even not reaching their cognitive potential throughout much of the following day.


If you would still like some additional help falling asleep, the Swanson Health Center suggests natural sleep aids, such as calcium and magnesium and teas made with ashwagandha, valerian, chamomile, skullcap, and lemon balm. Contact them to learn more about supplement options.









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