Design Your Dorm

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A good night’s sleep is essential for a whole slew of reasons. There’s strong evidence that regular sleep keeps down weight, keeps up brain power, and generally, ensures you won’t doze off during O-Chem and miss the pop quiz.

But suddenly being with a roommate, in a noisy dorm, with way too much going on, sleep is often one of those first things to go.

Don’t let it! If you’re one of those people blessed with being able to sleep through a freight train (or the school marching band playing outside your window—been there, done that) then may the force be with you, but for the rest of us, here are some tips to be like this kitteh and fall asleep anywhere.

1. Set a bedtime

It may sound crazy, but mentally deciding when you want to hit the pillow will give you more motivation to get off Facebook and actually get into bed.  Crucial when you have a big day tomorrow. And just a note: it may make sense to work out right before bed, to exhaust yourself, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Working out runs endorphins through your body, and actually, gives you a boost of energy, making you fidgety before bed.

2. Take some tech-free time

Before bed, take some you time to unwind. Do your bed-time ritual and then  read (not for school). Use a mini light if you have to, but turning off the laptop’s blue light and hunkering down with a book  or magazine you actually want to read will ease you into sleep. Especially if you’re reading one of these toughest books.

3. Or make tech your friend

Listening to music on full-blast is not gonna go well with your roommate, but grab an iPod and make a playlist. Make sure it ends after a few songs (so a sweet and unexpected  drum solo doesn’t wake you up at 4am) and lull yourself to bed.  It sounds cheesy, but try layering the sound of rain over a soft song. Just try it, and see how quick you’re zonked out. Got an iPhone? Check out this sweet app that analyzes your sleep cycle, and wakes you up gently.

4. Arm yourself

Having a roommate means you’re gonna get interrupted. Whether someone needs a light on when you’re trying to sleep, or you’re experiencing the lovely intocxicated-roommate-back-at-4am-and-wants-to-enter-a-discourse-about-Cheetos syndrome, you’re gonna be woken up. UNLESS You’re armed. Try a sleep mask and some earplugs. Hearing your own breathing and sleeping with something on your face can be tough, but give them a try for a week or so and see if it works for you.

5. Nap!

Studies have shown that taking a short (read: not three-hour in front of the couch watching Real Housewives) nap actually resets your brain, refreshes you, and prepares you for cramming a lot more in there.  Got early classes?  Slap on the eye mask and sleep for an hour in the afternoon. Just make sure you get up and get going again after.

Got any sleeping tips of your own? Let us know! And get some inspiration from CuteThingsFallingAsleep.com.

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1. Drink a caffeinated beverage before you sit down – caffeine improves your mood, which is always helpful when it comes to hitting the books.
2. Make a list of what you have to accomplish and cross things off as you finish them. Achievement always feels nice.
3. Focus anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and then take a five-minute break. This will help you clear your head and go back to studying with a fresh mindset.
4. If you’re going to listen to music, make it Mozart (I prefer Debussy’s Claire de Lune).
5. Steal quick glances at your loud neighbors – everyone speaks the universal of “you’re annoying me”.
6. If you don’t need your computer – don’t open it. It’s way too tempting.
7. Concentrate on one course at a time and don’t even think about looking at another class until you’ve finished.
8. Recopy lecture notes – its quick and easy. You’ll be surprised how much information you’ll retain just by doing this.
9. Turn your cell phone on silent, it just adds to the bevy of distractions. Plus, it makes you appear mysterious when you don’t text back right away.
10. Keep your headphones in even if you aren’t listening to music, this way people won’t feel the need to stop and chat.

Seriously though, just get up and move. Loud = lazy and you need to do well on your exams.