Guide Related Links Sleep deprivation has negative effects on students' minds and bodies Deanna Truman features editor Many students will go without sleep this week in order to cram for tests and write papers. Lynn Bennink, registered nurse at the American Republic Student Health Center, said lack of sleep can have a negative effect on the mind and body. You aren't going to have good concentration. Experts recommend eight hours of sleep for adults each day. A poll released by the National Sleep Foundation said students in high school and college get an average of 6.8 hours of rest and sleep a day.
Experts say a lack of sleep can lead to negative effects on peoples' bodies.
Bennink said the short-term effects of sleep deprivation include memory loss, lack of concentration and being more prone to accidents. She said if people go a long time without getting adequate sleep, they often get sick. Bennink said the health center is already having many students come in, worn out and sick. Bennink said two of the main reasons students get sick at college are exposure to people from all over the world and to viruses they have never been in contact with before. However, she said if students are taking care of their bodies and getting plenty of sleep, then their immune systems can fight off sickness.