When you start college, you’ll experience a lot of changes in your life. You’ll have the chance to explore a new setting full of interesting people, ideas, surroundings, and activities. Most people find it one of the most exciting and magical times of their lives. 

This change extends to your sleeping pattern. The excitement of social engagements and the abundance of class obligations and activities can seriously take over the time that students have for their sleep. Plus, college dorms are not always the most conducive for quality sleep. 

However, to take advantage of all that university and college life has to offer, you need to get lots of sleep—between 7 and 10 hours every night, to be exact. If you’re wondering how to start sleeping healthily in your dorm, this article shares five wonderful tips from using blinds to doing calming meditations before going to bed. 

1. Put Up Window Treatments

Unless you hail from a big city, your university dorm will likely have more outside light than what you’re used to at home. This includes fluorescent lights in the hallway or a bright sidewalk light outside your window.

If extra light is a problem for sleeping, you want to hang room darkening blinds. The right set of blackout blinds or curtains can block street lamps or bright early-morning light. Not only that, but a thicker curtain can also help soften outside sound while maintaining the temperature inside your room. 

2. Invest In Your Sleeping Surface

If you’re moving into a new dorm, then you’ll have to deal with a new sleeping surface. While you may not be able to replicate your bed, you still want to make your dorm bed as comfortable as possible. 

The first thing you need to consider is your mattress. Most dorms offer a bed frame and mattress for sleeping. However, they often have average quality and have probably been used for years. Thus, they don’t provide the kind of support or comfort you need. If you’re allowed to replace the mattress, consider getting one of the right quality. However, if you don’t have the budget to replace the mattress or you’re not allowed to do so, buying a mattress topper should be enough to improve the comfort of your bed. 

Other than the mattress, invest in a good pillow that provides good neck support and is suitable for your preferred sleeping position. Also, don’t forget your bed sheets and blankets. Depending on the climate, you’ll need to get breathable or thicker sheets and blankets to keep you comfortable. 

The right mattress and bedding can help set a comfortable space that can usher you to dreamland, boosting overall sleep hours and quality. 

3. Talk To Your Roommates

Living in a dorm means you’ll be sharing the room with someone else. And your roommate will have a significant impact on your sleep setting. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a roommate who has the same sleeping schedule as you do, but this is not always the case. 

If you end up with a roommate that pulls all-nighters, loves to throw room parties, has overnight visitors, and has other issues that can disrupt your sleep cycle, consider having an open conversation with them. 

From the get-go, you need to tell them about your expectations and needs and how you plan to live together. You also need to negotiate and get on the same page regarding room rules and regulations. By having honest and clear communication, you can figure out a system that works for both of you, improving your sleep setting and overall relationship with your roommate. 

4. Use Sleep Accessories

Getting the best sleep isn’t always easy, especially if you’re in a new place with different disturbances. Fortunately, there are numerous sleep accessories out there that can at least help block these disturbances. 

For instance, an eye mask can help block out sunlight if you want to get a few minutes of nap in between schedules. It can also help block out the ceiling light or desk light if your roommate decides to cram the night before a test.

Similarly, using a white noise machine or popping in earplugs can help reduce the excess noise from a snoring roommate, loud hallmates, or busy roads. With these coverings, you might finally find the sleeping bliss you crave. 

5. Practice Calming Techniques

Whether you’ve been so stressed for the day or your mind tends to go overboard about all the homework and activities you have due the next day, it can make falling asleep more difficult. 

When your mind tends to be cluttered, finding a relaxing technique can help slow down the mind and set yourself up for rest. This can be a simple meditation, deep breathing, or reading a few pages of your book. 

Takeaway

College is truly a magical time when you can live far from your home and don’t have parents enforcing bedtimes. However, don’t think that you can fully take on the challenges and hectic schedules of college with zero sleep. 

Whether you’re a sensitive individual struggling to get some shuteye or want to become more disciplined with your sleeping habits, following the above strategies can help you get your sleep schedule on track.