Now that students are back in the swing of things, they have the mindset that they can run on ungodly amounts of caffeine and power naps. Squeezing in actual sleep is just something that is done when absolutely necessary. That is, unless we’re so worn out that we fall asleep in the middle of completing an assignment.

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We often think that we’re going to get ample rest when we try to schedule our classes for later in the day and have long breaks between them. However, these things don’t always work in our favor. We find ourselves torn between other commitments, cramming for an exam, catching up on Netflix binge-watching, or calling mom to keep our sanity.

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However, the problem is that missing out on all of this sleep has a much bigger effect than we realize. A CNN sleep study revealed that students who had more irregular sleep patterns were more likely to get lower grades in school. While researchers realize that staying up late is a norm in college, they suggest consistently getting the same amount of sleep. That being said, going to sleep at 2:30 every night and waking up at 9 is actually okay as long as that pattern stays relatively similar every night.

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This consistent sleep schedule helps keep the body’s circadian sleep rhythm in line. This circadian clock releases melatonin every night, signaling that it is time for sleep. However, this can easily get messed up with crazy school schedules and a social life, further ruining our sleep patterns.

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Another simple fix is to create some sort of bed time routine- anything that suits you best. According to Oregon State University, whatever you find relaxing will help to separate your mind from things that excite or stress you out throughout the day, causing you to unwind. So pick up a book or turn on a movie, and just relax.

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Creating a simple sleep-friendly space is also a fitting step to take. While this can be hard to do in a dorm room with many people around you, a few things can be done to make the situation a little more suitable. Dim string lights and a comfortable space can sometimes be all you need to relax. As far as the noise level goes, white-noise such as a fan or quiet music can make a huge difference. Ear plugs can also become a college student’s best friend.

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Doing homework in bed can often be a challenge, seeing as we don’t get too much space unless we have our own apartment or house. If you have no other choice, it’s a good idea to make sure to sit up fully and do your work with lights on. This way, lying in bed in a dark room is still associated with sleep.

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One secret some students have to offer is to simply cut themselves off from homework when they feel that it’s time for bed, according to Huffington Post. Many of these students feel that it’s not worth knowing that they’re going to do poorly when running on less sleep. They feel that they can get more done when they are well-rested.

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Next time you feel that you aren’t going to make it through one more lecture without falling asleep or slamming three cups of coffee, give one or all of these suggestions a try. You might just find your secret to a healthier sleep schedule.