The College Effect

While attending college is widely perceived as a major educational accomplishment, many are unaware of the potential consequences daily life in college may have on cognitive function.

One particular area of college life that affects the brain is lack of sleep. “A survey of undergraduates and medical students at Stanford University found 80 percent of them qualified as sleep-deprived, and a poll taken by the National Sleep Foundation found that most young adults get only 6.8 hours a night.” Psychology Today College students are very familiar with staying up for various reasons. Students are staying up late in order to study for exams, write a last minute paper, or hanging out with friends and roommates. However, foregoing sleep inhibits the brain’s ability to remember. Pulling an all-nighter specifically has a negative impact on declarative memory, the brain’s ability to remember factual information (facts, data, and events). Getting adequate sleep is more effective for acing an exam.

Other areas of college life that have a negative effect on cognitive functions are poor diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. It is important for parents and educators to inform and prep future college students for potential bad habits that can easily be avoided in order to ensure continued cognitive and mental well-being.

To read more about these ill practices and how to avoid them check out this article from Psychology Today.