Friday, December 04, 2009

Many university students are relying on unhealthy sleeping aids to help them get a full 8 hours of sleep. Because of the combination of heavy workloads, stress and partying, many students have trouble getting the regular sleep they need.

Many students are using Gravol to help get to sleep, since it is a sedative. Unfortunately, Gravol can be addictive, so using it regularly should be avoided.

A better approach to improving sleep for students would be to get some daily exercise, avoid going to bed on an empty stomach, to sleep at routine times and to minimize emotional stresses. For students with insomnia, drugs should be used as the last option. Behavioral therapy should be the first treatment, which includes counseling about sleep strategies and relaxation.

The problem with sleep medications is that they tend to be addictive, so they should only be used as a last resort, and not on a regular basis. If they are used on a regular basis, people will develop a tolerance to them. The sedative effects of these drugs can means it could be a bad idea to combine them with alcohol, and many students tend to drink heavily.

The popular idea that alcohol can help you get to sleep is false. In fact, alcohol can actually prevent you from getting a good sleep due to withdrawal effects. Amphetamines and stimulants, including excessive caffeine should also be avoided.