Sleeping is known to be one of the most necessary things humans do we sleep for about one-third of our lives. But some us sleep too much and miss out on life’s opportunities and damage our health at the same time. Sleep: the cousin of death strikes. 

Sleeping too much is a terrible habit, especially for college students who are trying to catapult themselves into the professional world. There are so many opportunities available on-campus or off, either in classrooms, clubs, or jobs, etc. But you might sleep right through them if you don’t get involved.

Furthermore, sleeping fewer than seven hours or over nine hours a night (for adults) consistently can lead to severe health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and an increased risk of death.  

Not only does wrongfully sleeping have serious physical problems, but in my experience it can leave you lethargic, unmotivated, and mentally slow for the rest of your day.

“I occasionally sleep in during the weekends, but sometimes I don’t like it. It makes me feel like I wasted my day,” said junior Kelly Shaver. “Throughout the week I wake up to go to class, practice volleyball, or do homework. I prefer being more busy than not being busy at all.”

For me it is important to have my priorities straight (something my parents have told me my whole life), includinggetting the correct amount of sleep, which doctors say is just as important as diet and exercise. 

We don’t have “bed times” and we don’t have parents pulling the covers off of us to get us up and out of bed anymore. 

The “adult” world is just around the corner and I do not know one adult that doesn’t get the recommended amount of sleep. It’s just not what you do.

 It’s important to head to bed early, so you can get a good night’s sleep and begin your day a little after the sun rises. Studies show that shutting down televisions, phones, or any other media related distractions an hour before your desired bed-time can drastically improve you ability to fall asleep. 

At Seawolf Decision Day this past weekend, I saw hundreds of incoming freshmen with excitement of seeing their future right in front of them and building the path to their dreams. 

It sparked a motivation in me when I realized I was in the same position they were. It made me feel good in a different way, like I was alive. 

The natural feeling around our school sometimes seems hopeless, but if you wake up and get involved, your health will improve and you will see all the great opportunities this campus has to offer.