A sleep disorder is a condition in which a person has sleep pattern problems. Some instances of sleep disorder are severe and may affect emotional, social, mental and physical functioning. Sleep problems may be caused by numerous factors that ranging from night terrors to teeth grinding. Sleep disorders are classified into circadian rhythm, paeasomnias and dyssomnias. In addition, some sleep disorders that are common include sleeping sickness, cataplexy, hypersomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Other sleep disorders include bed wetting, night terrors and sleepwalking. It is important to understand the underlying reasons to determine the appropriate cure for any sleep disorder. The aim of this paper is to discuss sleeping problems in international students.
A common problem that is associated with sleeping problems is stress (Stradling et al., 1998). Those people who are specifically vulnerable and can react in a different ways to stress e.g. depressed people, people with relations problem and chronically ill (Graci & Hardie, 2007). International students are usually stressed because of the new environment and culture. For example, stress results from the way the student interprets what is happening (Owens, France & Wiggs, 1999). For instances, if there are no enough resources e.g. books, the student may compare with home country where the situations are different. In addition, stress may be because of exams or assignments, and in addition to change of environment, the student may become more stressful (Stradling et al., 1998). Functionality of the brain also determines the way an individual response to stress. How the brain operates is directly linked with stress and it is important to avoid stressful situations.
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"Sleep Problems in International Students".
Change is also another problem that affects an individual sleeping pattern. The changes include disputes with tutors or students, exam stress, preparing for an interview or presentation, moving away from normal environment (Graci & Hardie, 2007). Other causes include medication side effects, alcohol or caffeine consumption, shift work, depression, environmental noise and pain (Graci & Hardie, 2007). International students face challenges because of change (Stradling et al., 1998). One of the major issues is lifestyle and cultural change. Change is inherent but should be embraced in a manner that does not cause additional challenges. Moreover, if an individual wants to manage change, the individual might decide to embrace a different behavior that might be more disruptive (Owens, France & Wiggs, 1999). For example, a student feeling change may decide to take alcohol or other drugs to counter the effect of change; however, the alcohol taken maybe more disruptive in the long run (Graci & Hardie, 2007). Hence, it is important to determine the disruptive change to define appropriate action to address the problem (Stradling et al., 1998).
In conclusion, international students face numerous challenges and can cause sleep challenges. Sleep challenges can be caused by numerous factors that may include stress and change. Stress may be caused by exams and other factors that area associated with the learning process. Change is another common reason because of change of environment and culture. The most problematic issue is cultural change and embracing the new culture may be demanding resulting in sleep problems. Since sleeping problems are caused by an array of complications, it is important to determine the underlying cause so that appropriate medication can be given.
Without conclusively determining the causative agent, the treatment may worsen the situation. Moreover, it is crucial to engage with the international students, orientating the international students about the change and providing counseling when it comes to stress. Hence, it should be a collective responsibility of educational stakeholders and other stakeholders to create an environment that is friendly to the international student.
- Stradling, J., Roberts, D., Wilson, A., & Lovelock, F (1998). Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. International Journal of Obesity, 22(3), 278–81.
- Owens, L., France, K., & Wiggs, L. (1999). Review article: Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural interventions for sleep disorders in infants and children: A review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 3(4), 281–302.
- Graci, G., & Hardie, J. (2007). Evidenced-Based Hypnotherapy for the Management of Sleep Disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(3), 288–302.
