Updated with current information for 2023
One of the most common problems that students face is falling asleep in class. This can be embarrassing, distracting, and can negatively impact academic performance. While there are a number of reasons why students might fall asleep in class, some of the most common include sleep deprivation, poor sleep quality sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or just the annoying roommate in your two bedroom apartment.
Studies show that university students’ attention span takes a dive about 10 minutes into class – and continues to dip every 10 minutes or so. Well-trained teachers know to make a change in direction at this point to hold onto student interest.
Unfortunately, most university lecturers you encounter were not given lessons in how to teach. University faculty tend to be experts in their fields rather than trained pedagogues so are probably not aware of students’ inability to stay focused, which sometimes leads to falling asleep.
This is not to stay that the average university student gets totally off the hook. Even freshmen soon discover that the newfound freedom of living on campus or in Ohio University off-campus housing can lead to some late nights of revelry, making it tough to stay awake the next day in class. Even if you’re not out partying, staying up late studying can also take a toll. Upperclassmen who live close to campus, still feel the effects of those late nights, too.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. Lack of sleep can cause a number of problems, including daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and poor performance at work or school. University students are particularly susceptible to these problems due to the unique demands of college life, which often include long hours of studying and socializing.
Dealing With Classroom Sleepiness
As you’ve probably been told in student orientation, to be successful, university students need plenty of sleep and for the age level of a traditional student, that means as much as 8 to 10 hours.
If you’re prone to falling asleep in class, your profs will have different ways of handling it. Some feel sorry for the students, knowing they may have been pressured by parents to take on too many extracurricular activities so that they don’t get enough sleep. Others will go check on you to make sure you’re all right, and then may give you some kind of activity – such as reading something in class – to keep you awake.
Hopefully, none will call you out and embarrass you if you really couldn’t help falling asleep. Regardless of the reason, you don’t want it to become a habit. If you fall asleep consistently in class, talk to a counselor to see if there is something you could do to adjust your lifestyle and get more sleep.
Sleep deprivation is a common problem among university students, who often find themselves staying up late studying, socializing, or working. While it may be tempting to burn the midnight oil, it’s important to remember that getting enough sleep is essential for academic success. In fact, studies have shown that students who get enough sleep perform better on exams and have better overall academic performance. When your parents come down for parents weekend, you don’t want to tell them your grades are slipping because of a lack of shut eye. Who knows, they may even make you move back into university housing to monitor your progress! No one wants that.
Other causes of classroom sleepiness
Poor sleep quality is another common problem among university students. This can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, and poor sleep hygiene. To improve sleep quality, it’s important to create a relaxing sleep environment, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and establish a regular sleep schedule. Even though your apartment is near the bars, that doesn’t mean you should be hitting them each and every night.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also cause students to fall asleep in class. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods of time while sleeping. This can cause daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and other problems. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, it’s important to seek medical attention. If you live near campus, you can get this checked out at either Holzer Uptown on Court Street or at the Hudson Health Center across from the College Green.
More tips to address poor sleep
If you find yourself falling asleep in class on a regular basis, there are a number of things you can do to address the problem. First and foremost, it’s important to get enough sleep.
Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and establish a regular sleep schedule. This will help your body get into a rhythm and make it easier to fall asleep at night and stay awake during the day. It’s understandable that as a college student, you’re likely not living in a luxury apartment with king sized bed. That being said, you can still do so much to ensure that you’re getting proper, quality sleep. Consider investing in a comfy mattress topper if your bed is hard to sleep on, or buy some black-out curtains to keep the room dark at night. Remember, the best apartments are the ones you sleep best in!
It’s also important to take breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries. If you find yourself getting sleepy during class, take a few deep breaths, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes. This can help wake you up and improve your focus. If you live near campus, consider investing in a hammock and enjoying a nice nature-filled nap by Emeriti Park.
If you continue to have problems with falling asleep in class despite making these changes, it’s important to talk to a counselor or other mental health professional. They can help you identify the underlying causes of your sleep problems and develop a plan to address them.
Overall, falling asleep in class is a common problem that many university students face. While it can be embarrassing and distracting, there are a number of things you can do to address the problem. By getting enough sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene, and seeking help if necessary, you can improve your sleep quality and academic performance.