The Science of Sleep: How to Rest Better in Student Accommodation!

If you’re a Cardiff Uni student living in Cathays, you’ll know that getting a decent night’s sleep is a challenge. Between housemates coming in from YOLO at 3 AM, the constant hum of traffic, and last-minute essay stress, proper rest can feel impossible. I’ve been there—lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, knowing I’ve got a 9 AM lecture but unable to switch off.

But the science of sleep is pretty clear: getting 7-9 hours a night is crucial for your brain, mood, and overall health. Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it affects memory, focus, and even mental health. So, if you’re fed up with feeling groggy every morning, here’s how to actually rest better in student accommodation.

1. Get into a Sleep Routine (Even When It’s Hard)

Student life is unpredictable—some nights, you’re pulling an all-nighter for an essay; other nights, you’re out at Live Lounge until 4 AM. But trying to keep a consistent sleep schedule (as much as possible) helps regulate your body clock.

How to do it:

 Aim to sleep and wake up at the same time most days—your body loves routine.
 Avoid long lie-ins after a night out. Sleeping in too late will mess up your cycle even more.
 Use a wind-down routine—put your phone away 30 minutes before bed and do something relaxing instead.

2. Block Out Noise (aka Survive Cathays Sound Levels)

Living in student housing means thin walls and noisy neighbors. Whether it’s housemates talking at 2 AM or someone blasting music from a nearby flat, noise is one of the biggest sleep killers.

How to do it:

 Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones—lifesavers for blocking out unwanted noise.
 White noise or sleep sounds—apps like Calm or Insight Timer have great background noises that help drown out disruptions.
 Have ‘quiet hours’ in your house—set a time when loud music and shouting should stop (good luck enforcing this, though).

3. Make Your Room Feel Like a Sleep Sanctuary

Your bedroom should be a place for sleep, not a second study space or social hub. The problem? Student accommodation isn’t exactly designed for relaxation.

How to fix it:

 Invest in a comfy mattress topper—most student beds are terrible, and a good topper can make all the difference.
 Get blackout curtains or a sleep mask—light pollution from streetlamps or early sunrises can disrupt sleep.
Keep your room cool—18-20°C is the sweet spot for good sleep. If your room gets too warm, a small fan helps.

4. Cut Out Caffeine & Late-Night Snacks

I love a late-night coffee as much as the next student, but caffeine stays in your system for up to 6 hours. That Red Bull you had at 7 PM? It’s probably still messing with your sleep at midnight.

Better alternatives:

 Switch to decaf or herbal tea in the evening—chamomile or peppermint are great.
 Avoid eating heavy meals right before bed—it can lead to indigestion and disrupt sleep.
 Drink water instead of energy drinks late at night—hydration helps, but don’t overdo it unless you fancy waking up for bathroom trips.

5. Manage Stress (So You’re Not Overthinking at 2 AM)

If you’re lying awake overthinking your to-do list, you’re not alone. Stress and anxiety are some of the biggest reasons students struggle to fall asleep.

Ways to de-stress before bed:

 Try a mindfulness or breathing app like Headspace or UCLA Mindful.
 Read a book instead of scrolling TikTok—screens trick your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
 Write down any worries or to-do lists before bed so they’re not racing through your mind.

Final Thoughts: Sleep is a Student Superpower

Look, student life is chaotic, and you’re never going to have perfect sleep every night. But even small changes—like wearing earplugs, setting a routine, or switching off your phone earlier—can make a huge difference.

Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it helps with focus, mental health, and even your immune system (because nobody wants freshers’ flu all year). So, try a few of these tips and see what works for you.

Got any other sleep hacks for surviving noisy student accommodation? Let me know!