Monitoring sleep patterns at school aids in academic success - here's why, along with 5 affordable sleep trackers I endorse
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for academic success among college students, as it enhances cognitive functions such as memory consolidation, attention, and learning efficiency, while also stabilizing emotional regulation and decision-making.
The benefits of a consistent sleep schedule are well-documented. During sleep, the brain reorganises and strengthens neural connections, facilitating the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory storage. Disruptions from irregular or insufficient sleep impair this process, reducing learning effectiveness and retention.
Consistent, adequate sleep also helps maintain sharper thinking and memory, essential for studying and exams. A 2019 study published in the Sleep Research Society journal agrees that stabilising sleep schedules can help improve well-being among students.
Sleep trackers can be a valuable tool in achieving this consistency. Devices like the Garmin watch, the Amazfit Heilo Strap, and the Fitbit Inspire 3 can help individuals hold themselves accountable for going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. These devices can provide insights into sleep patterns, making it easier to identify and address issues that may be disrupting sleep.
Notifications from a sleep tracker can act as a gentle reminder to stick to a regular sleep routine, serving as a guilt trip to ensure bedtime is met. The Withings Sleep Analyzer, the Milavan Smart Ring, and the Oura Ring 3 are other sleep trackers that have been tested and found effective.
For students on a budget, affordable options are available during back-to-school sales. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a top-rated, affordable sleep tracker available at Walmart, while the Milavan Smart Ring offers a more affordable alternative to the Oura Ring.
Establishing and adhering to a fixed sleep routine, ideally getting 7–9 hours nightly, is therefore a protective factor for academic success in college students. A consistent sleep schedule helps to regulate the circadian rhythm, allowing the body to release sleepy hormones like melatonin at the right times of day. This, in turn, makes it easier to fall asleep fast at night, bag quality sleep, and wake up with energy for class in the morning.
In a longitudinal study of college freshmen, late bedtimes and irregular sleep were common, correlating with late or missed classes, showing how inconsistent schedules can undermine academic attendance and performance. Therefore, investing in a sleep tracker before the semester starts could be a smart move for students seeking to improve their academic performance.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help boost a student's overall health-and-wellness, enhancing cognitive functions like learning efficiency and memory consolidation. To monitor their sleep pattern for better consistency, students can use sleep trackers such as the Garmin watch, Fitbit Inspire 3, or the Milavan Smart Ring, which can aid in home-and-garden by providing insights into sleep patterns and suggestions for improvement.
