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How Much Sleep Do College Students Actually Need? (The Science)

 Ask ten college students how much sleep they get and you'll hear everything from "four hours on a good night" to "I'll sleep when I graduate." Sleep deprivation has become almost a badge of honor in college culture — a signal of how hard you're working. But the science is unambiguous on this. Chronic sleep deprivation is one of the most damaging things you can do to your brain, your body, and ironically, your academic performance. Let me break down exactly what the research says. How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need? The National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine both recommend 7-9 hours per night for adults aged 18-25. This isn't a suggestion — it's based on decades of research on cognitive performance, physical health, mental health and mortality outcomes. Here's the uncomfortable truth: only about 11% of college students report getting enough sleep on a regular basis according to the American College Health Asso...

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