Frosh Convos: Sleep

Midterms just ended, and now final exams and final projects are just around the corner. Is your student exhausted? It can be hard to convince a young adult that sleep might be the very best thing for them. If your student seems to be burning the candle at both ends, and you are starting to worry, you can share a post by one of our favorite college experts, Dr. Jill Grimes.  In this instagram post, she talks about all-nighters and their effects on our brains. She understands that all-nighters might be necessary, and tells students how to figure out when an all-nighter is worth it and when it isn’t.

Many college freshmen don’t want to hear health tips from their parents, but if you find yourself with an opportunity, encourage them to reduce caffeine, stick to a somewhat regular sleep schedule, and work some exercise into their days. Better yet, send a care package with a sleeping mask, some ear plugs, and a white noise machine - all helpful items in a shared room situation.

And a final word to the wise . . . if your student is coming home for Thanksgiving and/or winter break, prepare for them to be in a near-hibernation state for a while as they try to catch up on sleep!