Effects of Lack of Sleep on University Students Performance

By Lamis Al-Hassanieh

Submitted to Ms. Mirna Karam

ENL 110

NDU-SC
Fall 2015

Effects of Lack of Sleep on University Students Performance

Sleep is the bodys way of rejuvenating itself. Theres no doubt that sleep is very essential
because it helps replenish the energy stores we have depleted throughout the day, as well as give
our organs the opportunity to rest. Sleep relaxes us and helps with the overall health of the
central nervous system. Lack of sleep can lead to several negative consequences like deficiencies
in concentration, reaction time and overall alertness (Oelschlager, n.d). These effects are of great
importance for college students.

One of the most concerning consequences of sleep deprivation and sleepiness is drowsy
driving. College students spent long nights studying, finishing assignments, partying and forget
the fact that they need to have a good sleep in order to drive to college the next day. In the 2011
Sleep in America Poll, 66% of young adults reported drowsy driving. However, few studies have
evaluated drowsy driving specifically in college students. Among 1,039 undergraduate students,
16% reported falling asleep while driving and 2% had had a motor vehicle accident due to
sleepiness (Hersher & Chervin, 2014). Motor vehicle crashes have been linked to sleep
deprivation: 20% of all serious car crashes in the general population are associated with driver
sleepiness (Marhefka, 2011). Men were more likely to fall asleep while driving than women. The
findings overall suggest that drowsy driving accidents or near accidents are too frequent by
college students who have sleep deprivation (Hersher & Chervin, 2014).

Not only does sleep deprivation lead to drowsy driving but also affects students performance
and grades. Students with sleep disorders probably do not achieve optimal academic
performance, and up to 27% of students may be at risk for at least one sleep disorder. Students at
risk for academic failure (GPA <2.0) were at a disproportionately high risk for sleep disorders.
Among those who screened positive for obstructive sleep apnea, 30% were at risk for academic
failure. Medical students classified as frequent snorers more frequently failed their Internal
Medicine examination (47%) than did occasional snorers (22.2%) or non-snorers (12.8%). After
adjustment for age, BMI, and sex, the relative risk for snorers to fail the examination was 1.26. A
higher percentage of students at risk for academic failure screened positive for other sleep
disorders including: periodic limb movement disorder/restless legs syndrome (21%), insomnia
(22%), circadian rhythm sleep disorders (26%), and hypersomnia (21%). As nearly one in four
students is at risk for a sleep disorder, screening for sleep disorders among students with poor
academic performance may well be advisable. (Hersher & Chervin, 2014).
One of the reasons we know how vital sleep is to the heart is that patients with sleep
apnea often have compromised heart health. This is because without long, deep periods of rest,
certain chemicals are activated that keep the body from achieving extended periods in which
heart rate and blood pressure are lowered. Over time, this can lead to higher blood pressure
during the day and a greater chance of cardiovascular problems. Many studies have shown the
relationship between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease. One found that over an eight-year
period, men with severe sleep apnea were 58 percent more likely to develop congestive heart
failure than men without the nighttime breathing disorder. But it doesn't take a severe underlying
sleep disorder to see effects on the heart. Poor sleeping can put you at risk as well (National
Sleep Foundation, n.d).

Most students do not recognize the effects sleep deprivation has on their quality of life. This
is probably because many of their peers complain about the same symptoms, thereby
"normalizing" their condition. Interestingly, sleep is promoted in the infant, toddler, and
childhood stages, but as soon as children enter high school and college, sleep is no longer an
important focus. Rather, assignments, sports and other activities, family obligations, and projects
contribute to a downward spiral in quality and quantity of sleep (Marhefka, 2011). Hence, college
students forget the importance of having a good sleep every night and suffer the consequences.

References:

Hersher, S.D. & Chevrin, R.D. (2014, June, 23). Cause and consequences of sleepiness among
college students. Nature and science of sleep.6, 73-84.
Marhefka, J.K.RN, MSN. (2011, September). Sleep deprivation: consequences for students.
Journal of psychosocial nursing & mental health services.49 (9), 20-25.
National sleep foundation (n.d). How sleep deprivation affect your heart. Retrieved October 31
2015 from https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-heart.
Oelshlager, J.R.Psy.D. (n.d). Sleep and college life. Retrieved October 31 2015 from
http://www.fit.edu/caps/documents/SleepandCollegeLife.pdf.