Experts Urge Freshers to Keep 1 Consistent Wake Time to Protect Sleep

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Sep 22

Student sleep specialists say freshers should prioritise a consistent wake-up time over forcing an early bedtime, with morning daylight before about 11am helping regulate the body clock.
Screens, caffeine and alcohol can all worsen sleep: experts advise switching devices off 1.5 hours before bed, avoiding heavy meals late, and using calmer routines such as reading, journalling or a hot shower.
Anna-May, a 20-year-old University of Salford student, says a 4-hour daily commute leaves her with about 5 hours' sleep and more fatigue by the end of the week.
Universities are also steering students toward alcohol-free events, wellbeing clubs and practical health planning, including GP registration and MenB vaccination, as poor sleep can be compounded by freshers' flu or more serious illness.