Good sleep is important to our physical and mental well-being.
During Fresher’s week the Health And Well Being Team conducted a sleep survey. We
asked students and staff, ‘What two things do you do just before going to
sleep?’ We were interested to find that a lot of students spend time watching
TV or a film and are on the internet or using their phones. These are activities
which are not considered conducive to sleep. From discussion, it seems that although
those surveyed are aware that these activities do not help sleep they often
chose them. Some feel that watching TV actually helps them drift off to sleep. I
know that for me, listening to people talking on the radio or a talking book
can send me to sleep. I believe that it is important to look at how individuals
respond to stimuli as what is a barrier to sleep for one is not always the same
for someone else.
However, if you are finding it difficult to get off to sleep
on a regular basis a change in routine may help. Some ideas that can help are relaxation
exercises, reading, listening to music, or having a
relaxing drink or light snack. Write down worries and reminders for the next
day. This can stop you ruminating on things you have to deal with the tomorrow.
Don’t lie awake for hours. It takes most people between 20 and 30 minutes to
fall asleep. So if you’re still awake after half an hour, it could be that
you’re not quite ready to sleep yet so get up and do something relaxing
I have provided the final list and numbers from the
survey below
Watch TV/Film 70
Surf the internet/use phone 50
Listen to music 30
Have a bath or shower 30
Have a snack or drink 18
Talk to a friend 14
Spend the time with partner 11
Nothing 10
Read a book 16
Study 7
Other 6
Relax 6
Play computer games 5
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