American University students are struggling to stay awake.
Sleep deprivation, known as one of the most serious problems in the United States, has taken a toll on college students.
During our interview, AU Sophomore Suraj Sethi could barely keep his eyes open.
“I’m so tired right now. I’m pretty dead. I didn’t get enough sleep last night,” he said.
Sethi says he rarely ever gets the recommended eight hours of sleep.
“I get like two hours just because of my workload, and I have class in the morning and I’m staying up real late at night,” he said.
Aside from homework, students attribute extracurricular clubs, internships and partying to their lack of sleep. Mary Peck, a nurse at Sibley Hospital advises students not to spread themselves too thin.
“The purpose of a college campus is learning. If you are sleep deprived…we know that it effects memory and learning, so you’re actually defeating your purpose for being here,” she said.
Peck adds that sleep deprivation can have more serious long-term effects.
“Sleep deprivation over a long period of time weakens your immune system. You tend to get sicker than you would have if your immune system was healthy. It takes longer to recover,” she said.
Luckily students can soon catch up on sleep, as winter break is just a few short weeks away.
