As the date for finals and major projects approaches, many college students' sleeping habits will change, and for many, it will not be for the better.
While most students know how important sleep is, some still can't manage to get enough of it.
"Many students don't treat sleep as a priority and they end up sacrificing it in order to accomplish other things in their lives," according to Jacqueline DeFouw, a health educator at The University of Memphis.
"I think some students believe (sleep) is an expendable resource," she said. "They might study all night or hang out with friends instead of sleep."
DeFouw said a student's daily activities can lead some to develop sleep deprivation.
"(Students) have so many other things to do on campus other than sleep," she said. "They want to have a full college experience and some think sleeping will hinder those experiences."
The amount of sleep a person gets depends on what age group that person falls in, she said.
"A college student should get nine to 12 hours a sleep a night," DeFouw said. "Most people believe you should get eight hours, but that is less than what a college student needs."
Planning ahead and staying current are some of the things students can do to help prevent sleep deprivation, DeFouw said.
She also said when a student enters college, their sleep patterns are adjusted from when they were younger.
"As a child you are told when to go to bed," she said. "But no one is telling you when to go to bed when you enter college."
DeFouw said many of the things that students use to help them stay awake during the night are not healthy.
"Energy drinks and coffee are not the best way for a student to stay awake," she said. "You just have to sleep."
Harry Wilson, a senior sociology major, said he gets only three or four hours of sleep per night.
"I have school work and a job that keeps me up most nights," he said.
Wilson said sleeping is not one of his favorite things to do.
"I would rather read a book or watch television," he said.
He also said he drinks coffee and takes breaks to stay awake during the nights he needs to stay up late to study.
"I also like to drink something cold like ice water or Coke," Wilson said.
Berengere D'Havrincourt, a senior business major, said she normally gets seven hours of sleep.
"Sometimes I would like to get more," she said. "But not that much more because I don't like to go to bed early."
She said when she has an exam to study for, she cuts off most of her social activities.
"I will make it my priority to go to sleep," she said.
