Red bull not an alternative for sleep
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Opinion/Editorial
Midterms are right around the corner and we here at The Journal understand that stress is going to be on the rise. Nerves will be frayed, pressure will be high, and final assignments
will feel like a life or death conquest. Students will find it hard to balance life and work with their busy schedules.
Midterms coupled with the rates of depression and suicide attempts increasing to over 15 million colleges students in the United States, it's not surprising
that students turn to alternative means to deal with stress, stay awake to study and cope with depression and sleep deprivation.
However, The Journal wonders
if students realize the effects
in the long term or if faculty and staff realize the severity
of the problem.
Use of prescription drugs, energy drinks, narcotics and copious amounts of caffeine has increased dramatically in the last few years among college-
aged students, with one out of 10 students using ones of these means regularly, according
to the Harvard School
of Public Health.
In many cases, students are mixing energy drinks and stimulants, such as Excedrin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin
with Red Bull. However, mixing medicine and enhancers
increase the potential for strokes, cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures when used over a period of time. In fact, mixing both substances is one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths outside of drugs
mixed with alcohol.
Some students are also turning
to CNS depressants such as, Xanax, Valium and Mebaral to deal with stress and study anxiety.
CNS depressants are used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. Although, the medications
produce a calming effect, they also decrease the ability for brain activity. Therefore you will feel calmer, but your ability to study will be close to nil.
There are healthier means to dealing with stress, lack of sleep and study anxiety.
Several organizations on campus are also offering
ways to deal with stress, including "stress-free" quiet zones, quiet hours on dormitory
floors, and Counseling and Life Development (CLD) also offers an open-door policy
during school hours and
student peer educators.
All services in CLD are confidential
and free.
Some doctors suggest, eating high protein snacks, taking small breaks and leaving windows
cracked for prolonged periods of study.
The next time you have the urge to order a double shot mocha latte, instead head over to Freshens and get a fruit smoothie instead with an energy
booster, or if you see a Red Bull promoter handing out free Red Bull in the library, as they like to do around this time, consume small amounts.
The Journal gets it. We are still students just like you, and during finals week we will be stressed right there with you. We just want you all not only to be the best students you can be, but to also take
care of yourselves.
If that doesn't help, the student
body can take solace in the fact that fall break is one week closer.
will feel like a life or death conquest. Students will find it hard to balance life and work with their busy schedules.
Midterms coupled with the rates of depression and suicide attempts increasing to over 15 million colleges students in the United States, it's not surprising
that students turn to alternative means to deal with stress, stay awake to study and cope with depression and sleep deprivation.
However, The Journal wonders
if students realize the effects
in the long term or if faculty and staff realize the severity
of the problem.
Use of prescription drugs, energy drinks, narcotics and copious amounts of caffeine has increased dramatically in the last few years among college-
aged students, with one out of 10 students using ones of these means regularly, according
to the Harvard School
of Public Health.
In many cases, students are mixing energy drinks and stimulants, such as Excedrin, Adderall, Dexedrine and Ritalin
with Red Bull. However, mixing medicine and enhancers
increase the potential for strokes, cardiovascular failure or lethal seizures when used over a period of time. In fact, mixing both substances is one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths outside of drugs
mixed with alcohol.
Some students are also turning
to CNS depressants such as, Xanax, Valium and Mebaral to deal with stress and study anxiety.
CNS depressants are used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. Although, the medications
produce a calming effect, they also decrease the ability for brain activity. Therefore you will feel calmer, but your ability to study will be close to nil.
There are healthier means to dealing with stress, lack of sleep and study anxiety.
Several organizations on campus are also offering
ways to deal with stress, including "stress-free" quiet zones, quiet hours on dormitory
floors, and Counseling and Life Development (CLD) also offers an open-door policy
during school hours and
student peer educators.
All services in CLD are confidential
and free.
Some doctors suggest, eating high protein snacks, taking small breaks and leaving windows
cracked for prolonged periods of study.
The next time you have the urge to order a double shot mocha latte, instead head over to Freshens and get a fruit smoothie instead with an energy
booster, or if you see a Red Bull promoter handing out free Red Bull in the library, as they like to do around this time, consume small amounts.
The Journal gets it. We are still students just like you, and during finals week we will be stressed right there with you. We just want you all not only to be the best students you can be, but to also take
care of yourselves.
If that doesn't help, the student
body can take solace in the fact that fall break is one week closer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
russian personals
posted 3/24/10 @ 3:37 AM CST
Great article. I agree totally.
Post a Comment