Students were treated to a little rest and relaxation Thursday as part of the Student Wellness Center's first annual Snoozefest.
Those in attendance received sleep and relaxation tips, learned facts about sleep and sleep-related disorders and decorated their own "do not disturb" door signs.
According to Sherri Darrow, director of Wellness Education, Snoozefest was developed after the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), conducted a survey that provides colleges with information on the status of students' health habits, behaviors and perceptions. The survey determined that most students find getting enough sleep to be a big issue, and UB is not an exception. According to a UB survey, 94 percent of students said they felt tired during the day.
"When we asked students what got in the way of their academic success, a quarter of them said sleep," Darrow said.
The number of UB students who claim to be affected by a lack of sleep is staggering.
According to Brandy Solomon, a student coordinator for the Student Wellness Team, there are several things that can interfere with a person's sleep, which many students may not notice. Caffeine, tobacco products, TV, and computer lights all act as stimulants preventing students from getting enough sleep.
"We have a lot of information regarding things that interfere with sleep," Solomon said.
Cara Sweeney, a freshman civil engineering major found the information applicable to her life.
"They told me not to eat spicy foods two hours before I go to bed because it keeps you up," she said. "I didn't know that."
Students could also participate in yoga and guided relaxation demonstrations. According to Darrow, coordinating your breathing with your movement is an easy way to relax.
"Teaching people how to use their breath to relax is a skill like writing," Darrow said.
Darrow went on to say that sleep is a crucial part of a student's life and lack of sleep can continue to be an issue throughout adulthood.
"Sleep is an essential thing," she said. "You can't keep emptying that well."
A display of common sleep myths was also available to allow students to learn more facts about sleep.
The myths included alcohol's ability to improve sleep, the belief that an all-nighter doesn't disrupt the body's rhythm, and turning up the radio in a car helps the driver stay awake. In fact, these scenarios do not actually achieve the desired result, but rather are detrimental to an individual's sleeping habits and health.
Students were also able to learn about simple tips to improve their sleeping patterns. According to Carla Robinson, a social science interdisciplinary student, having a notepad by your bed to jot down your thoughts is a helpful relaxation tip.
"It's hard to sleep when you are concentrating on something," she said. "Being able to write things down is a good way to clear your conscience."
Other tips included avoiding caffeine, exercising regularly (but not right before going to bed) and minimizing sleep during the day.
"I think it's really great that they care enough about students getting enough sleep to even have an event like this," said Danielle Patrick, a freshman biology major.
The Wellness Center provides students with further opportunities to learn about relaxation techniques with free yoga and Pilates classes offered throughout the semester.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
