Students who wake up early get better grades

Sleep Disorders

Early rising times correlate with high grades for college students

A study released at the 22nd Annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies suggests that early risers earn better grades in college.

The study was conducted at the University of North Texas by Kendry Clay, and included 824 undergraduate psychology students. The students filled out a survey which asked questions in relation to their health, daytime activities, and sleep patterns.

The results of the study show that those who regularly went to bed early and got up early had higher GPAs, while those who went to bed and woke up late had lower GPAs.

"The finding that college students who are evening types have lower GPAs is a very important finding, sure to make its way into undergraduate psychology texts in the near future, along with the research showing that memory is improved by sleep,” said Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, of the University of North Texas, a co-author who developed the concept for this study. "Further, these results suggest that it might be possible to improve academic performance by using chronotherapy to help students entrain their biological clock to become more morning types.”

There are a few easy ways to ensure that you get enough sleep. Students must establish and follow a routine at bedtime. They must create a setting that is relaxing and comfortable at bedtime. They must get a full seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and avoid caffeine and stimulants in the hours before bedtime.

Staying up to study or cram for an exam will destroy an established sleep routine, and should be avoided. Computers, televisions, and screens of any type should be kept out of the bedroom, as well as food – don’t go to bed hungry, but don’t eat just before bed. Exercise up to six hours before going to sleep will also keep you from a full night’s rest.

People who suffer from a sleep disorder should visit with a sleep specialist.