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Q. How much sleep do I need?

College students need more sleep than either their younger or older friends. Whereas most people do well with 7 hours a night, college age students often function maximally after 9 hours of sleep. Although this isn't always easy to fit into busy study schedules, you should strive for at least 7 hours and hopefully more.

Studying right up until "bedtime" may result in your lying awake as your mind is still overly active. It's best to try to relax at least thirty minutes prior to attempting to fall asleep. Pleasure reading, but not excessively challenging reading, usually allows the mind to "unwind" and natural sleepiness to take over.

A glass of milk, rich in tryptophan, will help with sleep. This is a result of the tryptophan being converted to serotonin in the brain. Melatonin is a healthy, and proven, supplement to assist with sleep. Valarian Root is likewise proven to be effective, and safe. Alcohol should be avoided within two hours of attempting sleep. It might result in falling to sleep promptly, but alcohol-induced sleep is not a deep or restorative sleep. Finally, for those of you prone to acid reflux, don't consume any food within two hours of sleep.