Fighting fatigue in school

If you take stimulants like coffee, colas, teas and chocolate, give yourself time for these to settle. It takes eight hours for these stimulants to wear off completely. Avoid late night eating. (Liliana Nieto del Rio/For the Times)

Chicago Tribune

June 23, 2012 11:47 AM PT

According to the CDC, teens who don’t get enough sleep can be victims of the following: automobile crashes; poor grades and school performance; depressed moods; and problems with friends, fellow students and adult relationships. Chronic disease like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and depression are also associated with lack of proper sleep. Take these steps to make sure you get enough sleep each day whether you’re in the classroom or on the job.

- Compiled by Shamontiel L. Vaughn

Turn off electronic appliances, especially ones with bright lights like lamps and ceiling lights. Avoid distractions that can disrupt your sleep with loud noises. (Kathryn Ireland/Handout)

If you live off-campus or have your own apartment and a pet, get in the habit of a walk routine. This may help you avoid late-night barking, cold noses and nuzzling your hands to take walks in the middle of the night.

In this photo: Brit Peterson is living in an apartment because the dorms are full. She’s petting her sister’s dog, Jax. (Steve Lasker/Chicago Tribune)

Do you live on an active college campus or campus apartment? If the noise factor is high, find a quiet place to rest. This includes turning off radios and loud televisions.

In this photo: Robert Humphrey, 24, (cq), Ashley Williams, 25, (cq), and Rasheed Howard, 25, (cq), from right, lead a dance in the Quad with music provided by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity at Chicago State University (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)