Try these tips to catch more Zs

Rest for success

Sleep is crucial to wellness and productivity — it helps optimize energy levels, memory and learning ability. Sleep also helps improve mood and decrease stress.

A healthy adult typically needs between seven and nine hours of sleep within every 24-hour period.

If you haven’t been sleeping well lately, you’re not alone. Between juggling the regular pressures of student life and navigating the unknowns of a pandemic, it’s no wonder a solid snooze might be hard to come by.

Make sleep a priority with these tips from SAIT’s Student Development and Counselling team.

You’re getting sleepy, very sleepy…

• Sleep is triggered by a combination of internal and external signals. A balanced lifestyle, exercise, and exposure to natural light and fresh air during the day all help promote good sleep at night.
• Bedtime routines are an easy way to help you relax before hitting the hay. Make yours peaceful by turning down the heat and noise, and turning off your screen. Try prepping for the next day or doing simple household tasks — even setting a nightly personal hygiene regimen can help signal to your brain that it’s time to get sleepy.
• If you have difficulty falling asleep, there’s one general rule: the harder you try, the less likely you are to doze off. Instead of constantly checking the clock, focus on something soothing, simple and repetitive.

Power down to power up

Did you know?

• While you’re sleeping, your brain rewires itself, making it possible to learn and remember.
• Deep sleep and dreaming promote problem-solving.
• Sleep helps your body release hormones that promote healing and gives your brain a chance to clear out toxins it has accumulated during waking hours.

Temporary sleep difficulties are normal, but chronic sleep deprivation contributes to a number of problems. Consider connecting with a counsellor or a sleep specialist to develop a personalized plan.

Save the date!

📅 Sleep better workshop for National Sleep Day | Wednesday, March 18, noon

Focus on well-being

Maintaining positive mental health and well-being is a key factor in your success as a student, in your career and in life. There’s no magic formula, but there are ways every student can thrive at SAIT — plus resources and services to support you whether you’re studying on or off-campus.