Sleep experts urge freshers to adopt healthy habits for better rest

As university students embark on a new academic year, sleep experts are offering essential tips to combat sleep deprivation, especially during the busy freshers' week. With social events and late-night outings dominating their schedules, many students are struggling to maintain healthy sleep habits.

Experts emphasize the importance of a structured morning routine. Jo Baker, a psychotherapist specializing in sleep and mental health, highlights that exposure to natural light early in the day can significantly enhance sleep quality. She explains that getting outside before 11 a.m. activates a part of the brain that regulates sleep patterns, suggesting that good sleep hygiene begins with how students wake up.

For students like Anna-May, a 20-year-old dance major at the University of Salford, balancing academics and social life can be challenging. She travels four hours from Kendal, Cumbria, and often gets only five hours of sleep each night. Anna-May tracks her sleep, which sometimes causes anxiety and further impacts her rest. Experts warn against relying on caffeine and alcohol to cope with fatigue, as both substances can disrupt sleep cycles. Baker notes that while alcohol might seem to help with socializing, it actually impairs the quality of sleep, leading to lighter rest instead of restorative deep sleep.

To promote healthier habits, universities are increasingly offering alcohol-free events and wellness activities. Emma Young, deputy director of student services for health and wellbeing at Manchester Metropolitan University, points out alternatives such as yoga, crafts, and sip-and-paint sessions that can help students unwind without the need for alcohol. As students navigate the demands of university life, these strategies can aid in maintaining their physical and mental well-being, making it easier to thrive both academically and socially.