09/18/2026
College students should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep throughout the night to wake up feeling energized and refreshed! There are various healthy habits you should include in your nighttime routine, as well as things you should avoid, such as scrolling on your phone at 3am (we are all guilty of it).
😴 Avoid naps longer than an hour.
📱 Keep electronics out of your sleep space!!
📚️ Build decompression time into your schedule. Before bedtime, have downtime that involves minimal activity, like reading or journaling.
👂️ Use earplugs and an eye cover to minimize noise and light.
⏳️ Try to follow a regular bedtime schedule-- and follow it on weekends, too.
🍸️ Avoid caffeine/alcohol before bed. It may cause insomnia & other sleep quality issues.
Check out our Healthy Illini Podcast, Ep. 52 & 82 that focus on sleep! Tune in wherever you listen to your podcasts. 🎧️
Goodnight, Illini! The “in-person” Self-Care Stations at McKinley Health Center and the Illini Union have sleep packs available.
