Feeling constantly tired at university? You’re not alone! Experts have revealed the degrees most likely to leave students sleep-deprived and stressed. From late-night study sessions to demanding placements, some courses take a real toll. Is your degree on the list, and what could you do to reclaim your Zzzs?
Navigating the academic landscape of university life often presents a myriad of challenges, yet for a select group of students, the pursuit of a degree can lead to profound and debilitating sleep deprivation. While all courses demand dedication, recent studies highlight that certain fields of study significantly intensify academic pressure, contributing to heightened stress levels and a severe impact on student well-being and sleep quality.
Insights from sleep experts at eachnight have shed light on this critical issue by developing an index that ranks university courses based on the likelihood of students struggling with sleep due-to stress-related factors. This comprehensive analysis combined data from the 2024 HEPI Student Academic Experience Survey with experiences gathered from over 10,000 students, providing a robust foundation for identifying the most anxiety-inducing disciplines.
Alarmingly, “Subjects Allied to Medicine” emerged as the course placing the heaviest burden on students, achieving a sleep deprivation score of 52.2 out of 100. This finding underscores the relentless schedule faced by aspiring medical professionals, encompassing extensive hours in lectures, demanding independent study, compulsory off-campus placements, and often, out-of-hours work to manage financial responsibilities. Such an intense curriculum inevitably contributes to significant university stress.
The pressures faced by these students are not merely anecdotal. Research revealed that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) considered withdrawing from university, with 25 per cent of those citing poor mental or emotional health as the primary driver. This stark statistic emphasizes the urgent need to address the challenges within these high-stakes academic environments and support mental health in education.
Certified sleep coach, Dr. Jordan Burns from eachnight, confirms that while success in these academically rigorous fields inherently involves stress, optimizing sleep is paramount for efficiently managing a high workload. Dr. Burns notes that the demanding nature of scientific studies, coupled with high expectations, creates a cycle of increased stress that often persists into post-university careers, impacting long-term student well-being.
Achieving adequate sleep is a crucial component of student health. Dr. Burns recommends a minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep per night, ideally totaling 56 hours per week. For students in disciplines like Subjects Allied to Medicine, their arduous schedules often leave a mere 47 hours weekly for essential socialising, relaxation, or household chores, making consistent sleep a constant battle against academic pressure.
To combat this widespread issue of sleep deprivation, experts advise several practical strategies. These include consciously avoiding caffeine at least six hours before bedtime, ensuring a substantial break from electronic devices prior to sleep, and investing in supportive bedding that promotes comfort and alignment. Implementing these changes can significantly enhance sleep quality, even amid demanding academic schedules.
Ultimately, understanding the link between specific university degrees and sleep deprivation is the first step towards fostering healthier academic environments. By acknowledging the unique stressors of certain courses and adopting proactive sleep management techniques, university students can better navigate their studies, protect their mental health, and ensure optimal well-being throughout their higher education challenges.
