Students: Get enough sleep

We’ve all heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But in addition to good eating habits, sleep plays a big part of keeping our bodies healthy. With students returning to college, and all the papers, reading, work and socializing that needs to be done, sleep is often one thing pushed off till later. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that lack of sleep can put you at risk for various chronic diseases, can weaken your immune system, and can cause poor grades, depressed moods and even auto accidents. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic on getting enough shut-eye:

• Avoid stimulants like caffeine (coffee, soda, Red Bull, etc.) and nicotine. They can take up to eight hours to wear off fully.

• Create a good sleeping environment, free of loud noises and bright lights.

• Stick to a sleep schedule—that means going to sleep around the same time each night, even on weekends.

• Avoid pulling all-nighters.

• Get exercise during the day.

• Manage stress by keeping yourself organized, doing assignments as they come rather than putting them off to the last minute, etc.