Homework, take out the garbage, clean your room … sleep? Sleep has become a chore among college students nationwide, and the effects of sleep deprivation can be severe.

According to Donna Arand, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, age and strange sleep schedules play a role in sleep deprivation in college students.

“Most college students are sleep deprived because of age. The tendency is to fall asleep later and wake up late. Most have random sleep habits,” Arand said.

There are numerous problems that can lead to sleep deprivation, said Cassandra Downs, counselor with the NIU Counseling and Student Development Center.

“Various factors can interfere with one’s ability to sleep, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and stress,” Downs said.

Lack of sleep can have harmful mental effects.

“Sleep deprivation can make someone more susceptible to anxiety and depression and can adversely interfere with one’s ability to think clearly,” she said. Other effects include impaired performance, irritability and reduced concentration.

For an adult, age 18 and up, the AASM recommends seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Below-average sleep can also have effects on the immune system.

“Inadequate sleep can also compromise one’s immune system, which places an individual at greater risk for illness and disease,” Downs said.

Sleep deprivation has been shown to have severe negative effects on the body.

“Lack of sleep is associated with such problems as hypertension and heart attack,” Arand said.

Downs recommends developing several habits in order to get back to a normal sleep schedule. These include exercising during the day and reducing the amount of naps, caffeine and stimulants one has each day. It is also advisable not to eat before sleeping. Downs also recommends taking time at night to relax before going to sleep.

“Take some time to relax prior to sleep which can be accomplished by using a relaxation CD, meditation, writing or a prayer,” she said.

Tom Jerr, a junior marketing major, said getting to sleep is a problem for him.

“I haven’t gotten more than 5 hours of sleep. It’s not about being tired, I’m just not able to fall asleep,” he said.

Kristen Freund, a junior psychology major, said stress can make her lose sleep.

“I have trouble sleeping when I’m worried about things like homework, schoolwork and relationship issues,” Freund said.

Not all students have trouble sleeping, and many are able to get the recommended amount.

“I usually get six to seven hours a night. Only sometimes on weekends I can’t sleep,” said Tony Massetti, a senior OMIS major.