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As students, we know sleep deprivation all too well. There is an almost daily inner conflict: Stay up to study for a test, go to a party or go to sleep. More often than not, most of us do not opt for the last option.

The most common solutions to this problem only create a facade, which fools us to believe we are not tired. No matter how hectic or irregular our schedules are, it is imperative that we establish healthy sleeping patterns to bolster our long-term health.

There are many reasons college students suffer from sleep deprivation. According to the Morefocus Group, which publishes www.sleep-deprivation.com, “It is typical for college students to experience altered sleeping patterns when they leave home for the residence halls. Their sleep patterns may be affected by unusual schedules, which fluctuate to accommodate classes, social activities or work.” It is not uncommon to encounter a student at San Diego State who has not only one, but two plates full of things they have to do. Between classes, homework and one or two jobs, it’s no wonder college students don’t sleep well or often.

Yet sleep deprivation has an enormous impact on our health, both in the short term and long term. “In the short-term, sleep deprivation can lead to irritability and exhaustion,” according to Morefocus. “Students who do not get enough shut-eye can face long-term consequences beyond grogginess. Seizure, stroke and heart attacks are also possible consequences of sleep deprivation.” So it’s extremely important to set aside a portion of your day to get some rest.

That portion does not have to be as much as you think. When most of us think of “a good night’s sleep,” we automatically think that means getting eight hours of sleep. But Daniel Kripke, M.D., of the University of California, San Diego, said, “People who get only six to seven hours a night have a lower death rate than those who get eight hours of sleep,”according to a www.livescience.com article. He suggested that there is really no evidence that an eight-hour sleeper functions better than someone who sleeps six or seven hours.

Students, in an effort to combat the effects of sleep deprivation, resort to things such as coffee, sodas or energy drinks. While these may make you feel fine and ready to go for the moment, these quick solutions often make the problem worse. We refer to this as the “crash.” Drugs such as Adderall have become popular among students as well. While all of these appear to be solutions, they are nothing but a quick fix and will worsen the overall effects of sleep deprivation.

There is no substitute for getting a satisfactory amount of rest, whether it be six or eight hours. Do yourself a favor and do it right 8212; because cutting corners will only hurt your health in the long run.