Sleep – it can be elusive at times, and as a student living in shared accommodation it’s not always the easiest thing! Today we’re sharing our top tips on how to get a good night’s sleep at university so you stay well rested and ready to learn…
Make a sleep schedule you can stick to
Even though your university timetable will likely vary from day to day, it’s still worth having a set bedtime and a set wake time every night and morning. This helps your body establish a routine, and keeps your body clock in check. If you go to bed at 11pm each night, then around this time your body will know it’s time to start slowing down and drifting off!
You should, as hard as it might be, avoid drastically changing your sleeping pattern at weekends – although the odd late night isn’t going to be the end of the world. Finding a sleep schedule that works for you can encourage a better night’s sleep and leave you feeling great.
Improve your sleep set-up
Our student accommodation is modern and comfortable, but there’s always something you can do to make your bed and your space even more conducive to a good night’s sleep! Whether that’s investing in a mattress topper to add to your bed, changing your bedding more often, or adding a fan next to your bed to keep you cool, it’s all about finding what works best for you.
Sharing a flat with multiple other people means you might be running on different schedules; it’s a good idea to establish ‘quiet hours’ to ensure everyone gets the rest they need, but you might also look at getting an eye mask and some ear plugs for nights when you do struggle to sleep at uni…
Avoid caffeine late in the day
There’s definitely a stereotype about students and energy drinks – and young people and iced coffee, for that matter! While we all love a sweet treat or a refreshing fizzy drink, try and save these for mornings and early afternoons. Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning it can keep you awake when you’d really rather be catching zzz’s.
If you’ve got deadlines you’re cramming for or you’re having a late night study session, opt for hot chocolate, herbal tea, decaff coffee, flavoured water or just plain water to keep you hydrated.
Reduce screen time in the evening
Doom scrolling – we all do it! But it really isn’t good for you, as the blue light messes with your circadian rhythm and the constant flow of information and stimuli is bound to keep you awake. Swap your phone for a journal, and stick to textbooks rather than your laptop if you’re studying before bed. You’ll thank yourself for it.
Balance studying and socialising
Nights out with friends, last minute revision, finishing off your essay the night before it’s due… all of these things can interrupt your sleep schedule, and it’s worse during freshers week and exam periods. By making a plan in advance to study properly during the day, and choosing dinner and drinks rather than clubbing, can help you keep things balanced and ensure you’re sleeping well.
Learning how to get a good night’s sleep at university doesn’t mean having a perfect routine every day. Small changes, such as keeping consistent sleep times, creating a comfortable bedroom and limiting late-night caffeine, can make a noticeable difference.
University is about studying, meeting new people and enjoying new experiences. By making sleep at uni a priority, you’ll give yourself a better chance of feeling refreshed and ready to make the most of student life.
