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Those of us here at IUSB know all about pulling all-nighters for papers/tests/exams/and projects. Especially this semester, from my experience and from talking with other students. Many students don’t get the required 8hrs of sleep and pull at least one all-nighter a month. According the a study done at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), researchers are trying to determine the long-term effects of sleep deprivation.
“Students underestimate the importance of sleep in their daily lives. They forgo sleep during periods of stress, not realizing that they are sabotaging their physical and mental health… On weeknights, 20 percent of students stay up all night at least once a month and 35 percent stay up until 3 a.m. at least once a week. Twelve percent of poor sleepers miss class three or more times a month or fall asleep in class.” Medical News Today
The article briefly identifies that the effects of sleep deprivation venture more than addiction to sleeping pills or alcohol. Unfortunately there has not been enough research to prove what the effects are.
I know all too well the lack of sleep that I have received this past semester. My sleep habits are actually more extreme than stated above; I’ve actually I had at least one all-nighter a week on top of less than 6hrs of sleep. The problem is with the economy being so bad. Its now common for students to go to school full-time AND work full-time to make ends meet. Then as we enter the world of careers, there are none for college students because we are “over-qualified.” At any rate I am in full agreement that sleep deprivation has lasting effects that as of now are unknown.
Our IUSB days 
youngreginald
December 1, 2011
This is so true. Being a full time college student is a win, lose, lose situation. You win because you get the education, but then you lose because you often have to work for the additional money that financial aid doesn’t provide and because you still have to add study time, homework time, and/or group presentation time into the equation. Even though it may be difficult at times, students need to try to get at least six hours of sleep. The information, which is acquired from an all-nighter, only stays in your brain for about 4 to 5 hours. After that, you forget it. Can you guess what happens next? You need the information again and now you’re cramming in another all-nighter. Remember that tortoise knew that slow and steady would win the race.
Allie
December 1, 2011
I really enjoyed reading your blog! I also pull all-nighters all the time because I feel now more than ever I have so much on my plate. I take naps throughout the day just to get through the day! Now with finals coming up, studying and working have made it even harder to get a good nights rest.
derekbryan
December 1, 2011
When I went to IU Bloomington I would also pull all-nighters one, maybe even two times a week, and I never went to class. When I did go to class I could not concentrate at all. Getting enough sleep, even though all-nighters seem like you are getting a lot accomplished, really help with grades and acheiving a successful college career.
prenticeng
December 12, 2011
I haven’t pulled any fultime this semester, but I come close. Even coming close I still felt the effects of one. Having tired eyes, barely able to stay awake in classes then having to catch up on other work because you had to sleep. In a way it starts an never ending cycle until you catch, but by then the cycle starts all over again.