This is what it’s like dealing with insomnia in college

Not being able to fall asleep doesn’t have to be the worst part of college

Goodnight dorm, goodnight moon. Goodnight roommate who snores like a baboon. Goodnight Strozier, goodnight you. Goodnight homework I didn’t do…of course, not everybody is living this ideal scenario.

I’m not one to self-diagnose, but I do know I have trouble sleeping. I don’t get tired until 3 or 4 in the morning, and there have been times when I have gone days without any sleep. Not because I’m out every night getting hammered or have loads of work – I just cannot force myself to fall asleep.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a tell-all story about how horrible it is to suffer from insomnia, but rather a call to arms. Think of it as a guide to how to deal with insomnia in a constructive manner.

Take a glance at Yik Yak, Yeti, or Snapchat, and you’ll find members of our Nole family who have trouble sleeping. Not because they’re out partying or trying to knock out 2,900 words on a 3,000 word essay, but simply because they can’t fall asleep. Don’t worry – I won’t try to convince you not being able to fall asleep isn’t annoying, or that anyone has it better or worse than anyone else, because when you get down to it, not being able to sleep sucks. A lot.

Now let’s examine the bright side of sleep deprivation. When I’m up at 3am and I can’t sleep, I don’t sit in my dorm room wishing sleep would happen. I reach out to a friend who’s also up, get some food, walk around campus, or just talk about life. Receiving a call at 3am from one particular friend can only mean one thing — an early morning Walmart run, often for something frivolous.

It’s not the item that’s important, but rather the activity itself. Of course, a beef jerky and Dr. Pepper run is always important. And always fun-talking about random stuff and screwing around inside Walmart, as it sure beats the alternative.

Walmart’s not the only destination of our late night jaunts. Does Steak ‘n Shake’s 2-5pm half-off milkshake offer interfere with your class schedule? It also goes on at 2–5am, and nothing beats a milkshake during that time. We even befriended a waitress there, who would look the other way if we arrived a few minutes too early or late for the deal.

My favorite late night destination is a small marshy beach, about 45 minutes from campus. When neither of us has an early class, we’ll go to the beach to talk about life and watch the sun rise over the water. Hearing the birds and the wind over the water as the area is lit up by the sun is beautiful, and I’m always up for heading back to the beach later in the day with anyone who wants to go – provided I haven’t finally gone to sleep. A destination is not always needed when driving, and sometimes just driving aimlessly around Tallahassee, enjoying the city at night, beats lying in bed wide awake.

Not all of my late-night/can’t-sleep adventures involve friends with cars. Simply walking around campus at night is enjoyable. Our beautiful campus remains beautiful at night. Walking to any of the fountains on campus for a chat, or picking up some late-night pancakes from Denny’s and listening to music on any of the greens on campus is worthwhile and a great time to get things off your chest with a friend. I have a few locations that are personal favorites, but I want to keep them to myself for others to discover. There’s bound to be at least one you’ll fall in love with.

These activities might sound nice, but they’ll do no good if you’re the only one of your friends who can’t fall asleep. This isn’t as big of an issue as you might think – just make some friends who also can’t sleep. I visit Yik Yak more than I should, and you may be surprised at how many people are on there late at night, a good portion complaining about how they suffer from insomnia. So, to everyone who this may apply to: make some friends.

You don’t have to be best buddies right off the bat, but going for a walk or grabbing late night food at Denny’s wouldn’t hurt. I’ve done this myself, and with admittedly poor judgment – going to McDonalds with a complete stranger I met on Yik Yak and then a drive around Tallahassee.

By no means am I endorsing something as reckless as this, but take baby steps. Go watch TV in a dorm lounge, go get some pancakes (late night pancakes are really good, I’m telling you), or just go for a walk – whatever you feel comfortable with. The important thing is to spend time with other night owls instead of being alone.

I know for a fact there are a lot of members of our Nole family who struggle with getting enough sleep, or getting sleep at all. But it doesn’t have to be something to deal with alone. Even if you don’t already have any friends who face similar problems, there’s nothing stopping you from reaching out and making one.

There’s no need to face it alone, and instead of complaining about it at 3am, go and do something fun, crazy and memorable, or just have a face-to-face conversation with another Nole who faces the same problem you do. There’s no need to face insomnia alone.

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Florida State University