DEVELOPED BY COUNSELING &WELLNESS SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION SLEEP

SESSION OUTLINE Why is sleep important? What affects sleep? Caffeine Diet and Exercise Depression Tips and strategies for sleeping well

WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT? Affects how well you perform at school or work Can impact your mood Decreases risk of disease like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease Helps prevent colds by supporting your immune system Source: NSF, 2006

SLEEP AT CAROLINA 75.08% of students surveyed reported having sleep difficulties that hinder their success at UNC! Source: Housing Wellness Survey 2011

CAFFEINE Caffeine is a stimulant Can be helpful, but our bodies don’t need it Possible side effects include poor sleep, anxiety, headaches Counterproductive! Avoid it 4-6 hours before you go to sleep Sources: NSF, n.d.; NSF, 2010; Belenky, 2011;

DIET AND EXERCISE Diet, exercise, and sleep affect each other Source: Davila, 2009

DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH Reciprocal Depression affects sleep and sleep affects depression Stress and anxiety can also cause sleep difficulties Remember you can always visit CWS Sources: Kavey, 2001; NSF, 2011

5 MORE TIPS FOR ZZZS 1.Avoid winding down with electronics 2.Establish a routine 3.Protect your bed 4.Plan ahead and manage your time 5.Talk to your roommate Sources: CDC, 2011; Kavey, 2001; NSF, 2011

RESOURCES Counseling & Wellness Services National Sleep Foundation Centers for Disease Control