[originaltext]Why are college students so prone to sleep deprivation? The probl

Why are college students so prone to sleep deprivation? The problem often begins during the teen years. Most high school kids admit that they are often sleepy and 15 percent admit that they fall asleep in class.
Lack of sleep causes many problems, not the least of which is the difficulty it adds to learning. It’s also detrimental to the immune system and motor skills. Students (and everyone else) need at least eight hours of sleep to maintain optimum health and learning capabilities. Yet, with the pressure of school, family and social life, few students are sleeping near the required amount.
College life only escalates the problem. Added to the above activities are more hours needed for studies. Some students also hold down a part time job to help defray college expenses. Some students are married and trying to support a family. Because of all these pressures there is also an increase in stress. Stress can lead to insomnia and even more lost sleep.
With the approach of finals, the problem can only grow worse.  Students force themselves to stay awake to study. It’s called cramming for exams, and it can eat away at sleep hours already far too meager. Too many nights of forced wakefulness can eventually lead to a case of full-blown insomnia and other sleep abnormalities.