11 Reasons Why Losing Sleep is Not the Answer to Passing Your Finals | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

11 Reasons Why Losing Sleep is Not the Answer to Passing Your Finals

Sleep deprivation won't help you ace that test but it could help you get in a car accident.

46
11 Reasons Why Losing Sleep is Not the Answer to Passing Your Finals

The semester is coming to a close, which means a lot of late nights for some. However, there are many bad effects of sleep deprivation that people don't know about or choose to ignore. It has been proven that cramming doesn't help one study effectively, but many don't think about the toll on their body as well as their grades. Here are 11 reasons not to pull an all-nighter.

1. Sleep deprivation contributes to the symptoms of depression.

Sleep disorders and depression are very closely related. Not sleeping enough can worsen the symptoms of depression, while getting enough sleep can actually improve depressive attitudes.

2. Being sleepy makes you forgetful.


Have you ever noticed that when you don't get enough sleep, assignments and meetings seem to slip through your fingers? Sleep deprivation hinders your ability to make long and short-term memories and makes you more forgetful.

3. Losing sleep can make you gain weight.


Lack of sleep lowers your levels of hormones that signal when you are full. It also increases stress hormones which can cause you to eat more. This can cause substantial weight gain and is a contributor to obesity.

4. Sleep loss makes it hard to concentrate.


5. Sleepiness can cause accidents.


Lack of sleep slows your reaction times and can be very dangerous when driving. Sleepy driving is almost like driving drunk.

6. Lack of sleep makes it harder to learn new things.

7. Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system.


Your body creates antibodies while you're asleep. If you don't sleep enough then you don't have the right defenses against disease. It also makes it take longer to recover from an illness.

8. Sleep loss makes you clumsy.


Sleep deprivation hinders your fine motor skills, making you more clumsy and likely to injure yourself.

9. Sleepiness can make you more emotional.

10. Being sleepy stifles creativity.


Sleepiness makes it difficult to come up with new ideas as your brain is focused on trying to survive on three hours of sleep. Maybe save your poetry project for when you're all rested up.

11. Lack of sleep gets in the way of decision-making.

Lack of sleep increases activity in the part of the brain that sees good outcomes and less in the part that sees bad outcomes. This can lead to an overly optimistic view of potential decision.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24274
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10160
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7436
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments