World Sleep Day is March 19th Posted Thursday, March 17, 2022 @ 5:15 PM Do you ever just sit back and think about that satisfying feeling of laying down on your bed after a long, tiresome day and letting your head sink into a pillow as you quickly drift off into a deep sleep? It’s an experience every single one of us partakes in, for let’s face it, we ALL have to sleep. To think we’ve heard all of the proclaimed “National Days,” this Saturday, 3/19, marks World Sleep Day! If you’re a night owl, or stick to a strict bedtime schedule, World Sleep Day applies to you. Juggling coursework, jobs, extracurriculars, and a social life can sometimes get the best of our Knights, hindering the amount of sleep they may really need and/or deserve. Obtaining a good night’s sleep in a residence hall is one challenge many of our Knights face when first coming to UCF, but we want to ensure our residents are well-rested! Take a peek below at a list of 5 tips for how you can obtain better sleep in your residence hall! A well-rested Knight is an even better-performing Knight! 1. Make the Bed More Comfortable Your mattress may not be removed from your room space, but purchasing a mattress topper is a cost-friendly alternative residents often choose to make. A few inches of memory foam to the top can work wonders! *Reminder – Try not to use your bed as a studying space, because studying in bed can make it a lot harder to shut down your mind when it’s time to go to sleep. Instead, utilize your desk, the common area, library, Student Union, All Knights Study, or other area! 2. Use “Sleep Gear” Earplugs and eye masks are a couple of examples! Eye masks work to block out a lot of light and provide you with the darkness that you need for a night’s well rest. 3. Take Short Naps As hard as it may be, try and keep any afternoon naps under an hour in length and no later than three o’clock in the afternoon. According to the American Sleep Association, a 15-30 minute “power nap” is the best way to make you feel rejuvenated and restored with energy to help you finish your day. After 30 minutes, individuals enter deep sleep. Awakening from a long nap may make you feel a little groggy and sluggish. 4. Put away electronics It’s best to avoid using technologies like your smartphone, television, or computer at least 30 minutes before bedtime. “The blue light emitted by your cell phone screen restrains the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm)” (SCLHealth). 5. Start a “wind down routine” A healthy diet and exercise contribute to the wellness of your sleep! Natural remedies to incorporate into your nightly routine may also include the use of essential oils, meditating, listening to calming music, practicing yoga stretches, or drinking a warm cup of tea! Back