Demotivated students sitting in a lecture hall with one girl napping in college
With the new school year fast approaching, new data is out showing that 1 in 3 Florida students are falling asleep during classes and lectures. On top of that, 58% of students in the US feel tired. But what's causing them to nod off during school time?
A recent survey conducted by MattressNextDay has revealed that 33.65% of Florida students admit to having slept during class or lectures at school or college. The data reveals that students are significantly affected by sleep deprivation and stress. In one positive note, the Florida number is significantly lower than the nearly 60% of Louisiana students who admitted to sleeping during school hours. Have a look at the top 12.
Revealing the state most affected by in class-napping:
| Rank | State | Voted yes to napping during school, lectures, classes or while studying remotely at home |
| 1 | Louisiana | 57.89% |
| 2 | New Mexico | 55.56% |
| 3 | Maine | 50.00% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 47.06% |
| 5 | Utah | 46.67% |
| 6 | Nevada | 42.11% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 42.00% |
| 8 | South Carolina | 40.00% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 36.36% |
| 10 | Alabama | 35.71% |
| 11 | Kansas | 35.71% |
| 12 | Florida | 33.65% |
Why Are Florida Students Sleeping When They Should Be Studying?
Here's some tips on how Florida students can build a routine and get a good night sleep in the upcoming school year.
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
- Aiming to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends with help create a better sleep schedule adding more routine to your days.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:
- Try to make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary, nice bedding, soft light and it will help you wind down with calming activities like reading or taking a bath before bed.
- Limit Screen Time Before Sleep:
- The effects of using your phones and electronic devices before bed is not going to be something new. So, avoiding using your electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure – helping your brain switch off when trying to sleep. Using 'night mode' can help, too.
- Manage Stress:
- With school comes a lot of stress, practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga could help reduce your stress levels when trying to get to sleep. Write down your thoughts before bed, to help the mind over thinking. That's a big one for me. I leave myself notes for the next day so I don't worry about it the night before.
- Stay Active:
- Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep – so try to do some physical exercise each day to help your body and mind rest.
- Avoid Caffeine and Heavy Meals Before Bed:
- Having a coffee or a tea to late in the day can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep – try to cut caffeinated drinks and heavy meals before bed or in the evening to help you get a better night sleep.
The Common Theme - Phones
Aside from number 6 on the list, the common theme effecting Florida students and their sleep appears to be phones. If you let it, your phone can keep you from getting proper exercise, and it can certainly keep you up all night watching videos. Students and adults alike need to be aware of their screen time and how it can affect their life.
3 of The Top Attractions in the US Are In Florida
The 2024 Travelers' Choice® Awards Best of the Best Things to Do list is out and there's a reason why so many people vacation in Florida. 25 of the most loved top attractions in the US made the list, highlighting the highest rated experiences and attractions around the world and in the US based on Tripadvisor reviews.
What's number one? The Empire State Building in New York City climbed to the top as the No. 1 attraction, not just in the US, but globally. Reviewers are wowed by the 360-degree view of New York, where they can point out all of their favorite landmarks and see up to six states on a clear day. Over 300 reviews deem it a "once in a lifetime" experience and more than 8,000 5-star reviews put this tourist spot on top. Another New York iconic spot also made the top 3 top attractions in the US list.
Top Attractions in the US
Kristen Dalton, President of Tripadvisor states "Experiences make a trip, and our Best of the Best Things to Do Awards offer some of the highest-rated activities from across the world, highlighted by our community of travelers. Whether you're a thrill seeker or a leisurely explorer, the 'Best of the Best' badge has the seal of approval from global travelers as a source of inspiration for an unforgettable vacation."
Top Attractions in Florida
Florida still maintains itself as a major tourist destination with 3 of the top attractions in the US being here in the Sunshine State. As a 20 year resident of Florida, I love doing touristy things, but I'm kind of disappointed in myself. I've not been to any of these 3 attractions. Yet.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Scuba diving or snorkeling is the best way to view this park, but glass bottom boat tours are also available. TripAdvisor has this park, located in Key Largo, as the 4th best attraction in the United States. So what makes it so special?
In 1960 the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was named the United States' first undersea park. The Florida Keys have the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The in 1965, it got much more interesting.
On August 25th, 1965 the Christ of the Abyss was lowered into the water at a depth of 25 feet. The bronze statue still rests there with the top at a depth of 8-10 feet below the surface. Visible to snorkelers, but best viewed with SCUBA gear.
Stetson Mansion
We didn't have to go very far down the list to find the next Florida entry. The Stetson Mansion is listed as the 5th best top attraction in the US.
The Stetson Mansion is in Deland, Florida, just off I4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach. It's referred to as "Florida's first luxury estate". Built in 1886 the mansion is actually older than the city of Miami. And if you're wondering why the name "Stetson" sounds familiar, the mansion was built for famed hat maker John B. Stetson.
The mansion is not currently open for tours, but Christmas Tours are offered 2-7 times daily Nov 1st, 2024 - Jan 18th, 2025. I'm hearing Christmas is the best time to visit, so this might be something to put on your bucket list.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Another Florida keys attraction, this one further down in Key West, is not a museum, but a living exhibit. Their website sums it up "Take a walk among hundreds of free flying butterflies, exotic birds and 2 glorious flamingos inside the soaring glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat."
Let one of their guides teach you about nature, pointing out the different butterflies and colorful flowers. When you're done, don't forget to hit up the gift shop.
The Top Attractions in the US
See the top 25 Best of the Best Attractions in the US here
