Sorority rush is upon us, and you know what that means: meeting tons of new people, learning more about sorority culture, and of course, stress about whether or not you’re in. These recruitment processes can be a little scary, but aside from the competitive side, sorority rush can be an exciting time—assuming you can get enough sleep during it.
Sororities offer new beginnings full of wonderful opportunities—they’re the perfect environment for social people to make lasting memories and connections. They’re also a great place for newcomers to campus to start, as they’re a way to get acquainted with the surroundings and immerse yourself in school spirit.
Amidst all the (fun) chaos of sorority recruitment, it can still be incredibly exhausting, especially since these recruitment phases can last days or even weeks. To ensure you’re fully operational for these intense fall activities, you’ll need to prioritize your sleep schedule to get through all those interviews, tours, and skits (which sounds exhausting just thinking about it). With good sleep, you’ll be ready to get through those long days in sorority. I spoke with sleep expert Chelsey Borson, founder of Luna Leaps, to get a few tips to keep in mind if you want to sleep like a baby.
- The priority is to maintain a good sleep rhythm.
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If you want to feel rested in the morning, Borson says, you should create a sleep schedule that is workable. “Stick to a strict sleep schedule,” Borson advises, “and avoid shifting your bedtime and wake-up time back or forward on weekends.”
Weekends are often a time to sleep in, but if you stick to a strict routine, you’re bound to affect your circadian rhythm. These are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock and affect bodily functions, mental state, and behavior. The sleep-wake cycle determines how alert or lethargic you are throughout the day and night, so if you develop a consistent sleep routine, your circadian rhythm will also stabilize.
Given the amount of socializing you’ll have to do during sorority sessions, you’ll want to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. You need rest to get through the day, so setting a consistent bedtime and sticking to it will keep you alert, alert, and awake.
- Adopt calming bedtime routines.
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“Establish a sleep-promoting ritual with calming activities,” advises Borson, “such as reading or meditating before bed to avoid the effects of blue light an hour before bedtime.”
It’s important to reduce the amount of time we spend absorbing blue light, as it has a powerful effect on our sleep-wake cycle. Both natural and artificial blue light increases our alertness, and too much blue light can keep us wide awake when it’s time to go to bed. So no more late-night scrolling on TikTok or binge-watching TV series – trust me, you’ll feel much better in the morning.
Plus, when it comes to organizing your bedtime routine, you can get creative. Some enjoy ASMR before bed, while others feel more relaxed after their 10-step skincare routine—everyone is different! Finding something that suits your personality—and keeps you off your phone—will help you sleep better.
- REDUCE BEHAVIORS THAT NEGATIVELY AFFECT SLEEP.
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Finally, breaking bad habits will help you get the rest you deserve. “Avoid stimulants like caffeine, large meals or drinks that cause frequent trips to the bathroom at night,” advises Borson. “Naps should also be short, ideally between 20 and 30 minutes, and taken early in the day to help you sleep better.”
Avoiding anything that keeps you active will increase your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. Cutting unnecessary distractions from your daily routine or even limiting screen time will help you maintain your sleep rhythm, because the more you indulge in these bad habits, the more likely you are to mess up your internal sleep-wake cycle. So, the best thing to do before bed is to replace caffeinated tea with water, for example.
Overall, if you establish a healthy routine, your body will thank you, especially when it comes to the stresses and strains of sorority initiation. So take a moment to settle in, create a new schedule, and prepare for the best sleep of your life.
