Sleep is usually one of the last things on a college student’s mind, but there can be harmful effects that come with a lack of sleep.

Most college students juggle classes, studying, work, social events and involvement in other organizations, leaving little time for sleep.

“I think having too much to do and the stress caused from that is the reason college students do not get enough sleep,” said Jondra Darden, sophomore in sports management.

Leah Cuthriell, graduate student in chemistry, said she agrees and that a large workload makes it hard for students to get enough sleep.

“Since I’m a grad student, I spend long hours in the lab then have to go home and study and grade papers, even if it is 10 at night,” Cuthriell said.

Richard Clark, freshman in chemistry, said he thinks that going out, along with studying, is a major reason for a lack of sleep.

“Students do not get enough sleep for one of two reasons: partying or studying,” he said. “They are either working really hard or not working at all.”

Mary Sowell, professor in nursing, also believes time management is the main cause of poor sleeping habits for college students.

“Students need to work on managing their time to get more sleep,” Sowell said.

Sowell expressed the difficulty for students with poor sleeping habits to get back on a good schedule. Whatever the reason students do not get enough sleep, there are many negative health effects associated with a lack of sleep. Sowell said negative effects can include irritability, poor decision making, weight gain and depression.

Long-term effects can include hypertension and a decreased immune response, which can result in developing diseases later in life, Sowell added.

Many students have experienced some negative symptoms associated with a lack of sleep.

“Having less sleep makes it harder to do your homework, and I get frustrated with my homework much more easily,” Clark said.

Darden said not getting enough sleep takes a toll.

“I get sick easier and am not able to focus,” Darden said. “I also laugh a lot.”

Students have many reasons for not getting enough sleep, but there are ways everyone can get enough sleep.

Sowell said watching television and talking on the phone wastes a lot of time, and students would be able to get more sleep if they cut back on these things. She also said students should try to establish a sleep schedule.

“Students should get up and go to bed at the same time every day, just like they did in elementary school,” Sowell said.

She said students should try not to take naps, but that taking a nap is better then no sleep at all.

According to the Mayo Health Clinic Web site, exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening and starting a relaxing bedtime routine also can help students get more sleep.

Though most students do not feel like they get enough sleep, some students make sure they have good sleeping habits.

“I try to be in bed before midnight every night and try to have all my work done,” Morelli said.