If you've set foot on a college campus, you know our mantra: "Sleep is for the weak." Who wants to sleep when you can get #lit and #turnt and whatever else the kids are saying these days? You're a 20-something young adult who can easily handle multiple assignments, kick back with friends and still have time to crash a weekend rager...all on maybe four hours of sleep.
News flash: "Sleep is for the weak?" Not a real thing. Sleeplessness causes disorientation, fatigue, and reduced energy levels. In fact, you're weaker when you don't get a full night's sleep.
Don't end up with bloodshot eyes like me. Here are eight reasons why you should get eight hours of sleep tonight.
1. You'll be a nicer person.
Sleep deprivation causes heightened emotions, which lead to irritation and crankiness. No need to glare at every person on the street! Consistent sleep patterns will improve your mood and make you happier.
2. You'll save money on concealer because the bags under your eyes will disappear.
There is such a thing as beauty sleep. While you're dreaming of calculus equations, the cells in your body release a growth hormone which repairs damaged skin cells due to stress.
3. You'll remember more information.
No need for those crazy caffeinated all-nighters! Sleeping regularly will help you retain more information. Sufficient amounts of sleep foster healthy consolidation, a process by which memories become stable. The brain acquires new information which is then consolidated during slow-wave sleep, a deep sleep. To recall information in its best form, restorative sleep is necessary to increase concentration and productivity.
4. You'll be more romantic.
Depleted energy decreases your sex drive. It can even lower testosterone levels in men. Get some 'zzz' before your next toe-curling romp to ensure that both you and your partner are having a great time.
5. Your Starbucks addiction will cease.
Bid Adieu to your favorite barista because now that you're getting the necessary rest, who needs the four cups of Chai tea latte with soy milk, no foam, one pump vanilla, two pumps hazelnut and light whip cream? A cup or two in the morning won't affect your sleep, however consuming caffeine at least six hours before bedtime will interfere with your sleep patterns. Regularly consuming caffeine at these times increases your chances of developing insomnia.
6. Which will make your bank account smile.
7. Sleep decreases your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes.
A 2011 European Heart Journal review of 15 medical studies found that out of 475,000 people 48 percent had an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease due to lack of sleep. Sleeplessness doesn't necessarily cause heart disease however, it increases risk factors, according to Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, professor of neurology and director of the Sleep Disorders Program at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
8. You can look like Beyoncé.
That's right, you heard it here. You can be Queen B too. Well, not exactly. Skipping sleep affects your metabolism, which can hinder your weight loss training and keep you from your daily workout regimen. The best way to achieve #BeyonceGoals is to sleep.
In short: better sleep = better everything.
This post is part of our series on sleep culture on college campuses. To join the conversation and share your own story, please email our Director of College Outreach Abby Williams directly at abigail.williams@huffingtonpost.com. And you can find out here if the #SleepRevolution College Tour will be visiting your campus, and learn how you can get involved. If your college is not one of the colleges already on our tour and you want it to be, please get in touch with Abby.