Many students struggle with academics and with hardships in their personal lives due to lack of sleep and this problem may only lead to greater health issues.

Allison Barton, Moorpark College Health Center educator, believes that it is very important for students to go to bed at the same time every night, as well as get up at the same time every day.

“Not sleeping well prevents you from learning, makes you forgetful, causes psychiatric illnesses and creates more sleeplessness,” said Barton.

There are multiple reasons why students are sleep deprived. These include studying, work and various personal issues, which are activities that are time-consuming and interfere with a students sleep routine.

Yaseen Arsalan, a 23-year-old pre-pharmacist, said that if he slept better, he would do better in school.

“I get about 5 to 6 hours of sleep everyday,” said Arsalan. “I go to school and work so I’m either studying or just at work and sometimes I fall asleep at 2 or 3 a.m. ”

According to Barton, stress is one of the many factors that cause a person to not sleep very well and leads them to consume stimulants that only worsen the problem.

“It’s a vicious cycle,” said Barton. “Sleep deprivation causes a lot of problems.”

Barton encourages students to exercise to help promote sleep. She also suggests eliminating stimulant drinks and maintaining a healthy diet.

Pamphlets are available in the Health Center to inform students on how to overcome sleep deprivation and manage their time better.

For more information, contacts Allison Barton at (805) 378-1413 or visit the Health Center, located in the Administration Building, room 111.