The best 35+ back to school sleep and dorm mattress deals — starting from $4 and chosen by recent graduates

Tom's Guide

5 days ago

Heading off to college? We're here to make sure sleep isn't what gets sacrificed this semester.
Whether you're a student gearing up for dorm life, a parent prepping your kid for campus, or a roommate on a mission for better rest, we've found the best deals on everything you need to sleep soundly — from mattresses and pillows to must-have tech.
Right now, you can save 25% on the super-comfy Tempur-Cloud pillow at Amazon and score up to 60% off budget-friendly mattresses at Siena. So if your dorm setup needs a sleep upgrade, now's the time.
Our top advice? Start with a mattress that's comfortable, reliable, and affordable — check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses of the year for more inspiration. But we've also rounded up sleep solutions for everything from noisy hallways to hot and stuffy dorm rooms.
We might be mattress testers and sleep writers now, but as recent graduates we've all survived dorm living ourselves. And trust us — with the sleep smarts we have today, these are the products we wish we'd packed…
The best mattresses for college students typically meet three key criteria. First, they're available in dorm friendly twin, twin XL and full sizes. Second, they suit your sleep needs — and we've rounded up a bed for every sleep style below.
Third, they come at a student-friendly price. Every mattress in this guide fits into the budget to mid-range price category and they've all either been tested by our expert sleep team or come from a brand we trust and recommend.
Zinus Spa Sensations Green Tea 6" Mattress: full was $324.99 now $88.98 at WalmartWe often recommend Zinus mattress sales as THE place to find great deals on budget mattresses with fair temperature regulation. If it's anything like the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress we've reviewed, the Zinus Spa Sensations mattress will provide side sleepers with dreamy pressure relief. Walmart are cutting $236 off a full size right now, translating to a whopping 62% saving. Alternatively you can shop a twin size for $82.98 (was $138), and it'll be delivered the following day for free. What a deal.
Gelsea Store 6" Memory Foam Mattress: full was $109.99 now $95.99 at AmazonAdmittedly, Gelsea isn't a mattress brand we're familiar with, yet this is a reportedly CertiPur-US Certified cooling gel memory foam mattress under $100 for a full size right now ($95.99 to be exact, after 13% off). You can pick up a twin or twin XL for just $80.99. It comes in thicker models too if you're willing to spare an extra few dollars. A 10" full will set you back $152.99 and 12" full size is $179.10, which is still outstanding value considering it is delivered for free too (most mattresses at this price point on Amazon catch you with hefty shipping fees). It gets a 4.4 star rating from Amazon customers who reckon it's great value for money. Though you should note this is a super thin mattress at 6" that will likely not be supportive enough for heavier bodies.
Siena 10" Signature Mattress: full was $229 now $179 at AmazonThe Siena is almost everything you could want in a dorm mattress: it's affordable, supportive and the high quality build should see you through undergrad comfortably. Its only slight flaw is that as a firm bed, our Siena Mattress review team found it a touch too hard for most side sleepers — but for back and stomach sleepers, it's a winner. Our favorite cheap mattress, a twin is only $119 and twin XL is $149 at Amazon right now with a 10-year warranty and 180-night trial included.
Brooklyn Bedding Standard 10" Hybrid Mattress: full was $265 now $188 at WalmartIt can be hard to find hybrid mattresses on a budget (cheap beds are often all-foam) but if you prefer the bounce of springs, this Brooklyn Bedding deal at Walmart is a steal. A twin is now $138 (was $200), twin XL is $148.75 (was $209) and even a full is only $188 (down from $265) if your dorm room is generous with space. Brooklyn Bedding claims this mattress has a firm feel, so we recommend it for back and stomach sleepers.
EGOHOME 10" Memory Foam Mattress: full now $279.99 at AmazonWe've recently gotten our hands on all-foam and hybrid EGOHOME mattresses and we think they're a fantastic choice for students. Our EGOHOME Memory Foam Mattress review team was impressed by the body-hugging feel that provides pressure relief for side sleepers (so no numb arms) with enough support for back sleeping. This is a slightly different, thinner model but we're expecting a similar feel and at just $152.99 for a twin and $231.55 for a twin XL at Amazon, it's an affordable choice.
Lucid Memory Foam Mattress: full was $309.99 now $220.87 at LucidThis is a rare sale from Lucid, a brand that's better known for its flash sales than long-term discounts. With 25% off mattress in cart, you can pick up a twin 10" Memory Foam mattress for $163.87 (was $229.99) or a twin XL for $168.74 (was $249.99) and it comes with two free pillows. The Memory Foam Mattress is available in three feels (Plush, Medium and Firm) but sizes do sell out fast so act quick. In terms of benefits, shipping is free and you get a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial.
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress: full $579 at DreamCloudThe DreamCloud isn't quite as cheap as other mattresses in this guide but we think it's the best mattress in a box we've tested and excellent value for money. Earning high marks from every member of our DreamCloud Mattress review panel, this is a real crowd pleaser — our sleep needs often change during college / as we age and the DreamCloud should support you from freshman to graduate. A twin size is particularly good value at $399, yet a twin XL might stretch the student budget at $549 but you do have a full year to test it and decide if it's right.
Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: full $349 at NectarIn our Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review we were impressed with how this affordable all-foam bed blended support with cushioning. It's comfortable for most sleep styles and while it doesn't have a memory foam 'hug,' it does have strong edge support and a breathable feel — it's among the best memory foam mattresses we've tested. At $349 for a twin and $549 for a twin XL in the year-round Nectar mattress sale it's good value and the quality build should still be going strong by graduation.
Dreamfoam Essential Mattress: full was $574 now $430.50 at Brooklyn BeddingThe Dreamfoam Essential is perhaps the most versatile mattress in this guide, so there's an option for almost everyone. It's available in five heights but we recommend eight inches or above to provide support for everyday use — we tested the 10-inch for our Dreamfoam Essential Mattress review. But perhaps the main benefit is the extensive size range. From short full to full XL and even rv mattress sizes, there's a Dreamfoam for every strange space you can expect to find in a college apartment. A twin will set you back $336.75 now (was $449) and a twin XL $374.25 (was $499).
A top-rated mattress topper can seriously save your dorm bed, adding a cushioning layer to any old mattress. Our topper expert, Frances Daniels, has tested many a topper and even slept on them on the floor alone to see how comfortable they really are.
Here are the ones she recommends to anyone heading back to college this summer...
Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: twin XL was $52.99 now $39.74 at LucidThis is our favorite budget mattress topper, and we were bowled over by the temperature regulation and plush comfort it packs into such as small price tag during our Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review. Thanks to a 25% off "Back to Campus" sale, a 3" twin is now $52.49 down from $62.99 at Lucid (but you can also choose from 2" and 3" heights) and includes a 30-night sleep trial and 3-year warranty.
Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: twin was $33.99 now $39.99 with code TAKE15 at LinenspaThis budget-friendly gel-infused topper is a bestseller at both Linenspa and Amazon thanks to its ability to add comfort to hard beds and low price. Luckily, It's now even cheaper thanks to a discount code that takes 15% off the already affordable MSRP. Available in a 2" or 3" height, a 2" twin XL is down from $42.99 to $36.54. It also comes with free shipping and a 3-year warranty.
Therapedic Premier Pillowtop Mattress Topper: full was $160 now $64 at Macy'sNeed extra cushioning for your dorm bed? A pillow-top mattress topper is your answer. This one from Therapedic is crafted from down-alternative fibers giving you that luxurious feel at an affordable price starting from $56 for a twin with the current 60% off. Plus the Ultra-Fresh technology and stain-release makes maintenance super easy throughout your academic year and beyond. The 3-year limited warranty for this price really makes it a great value purchase.
Sertapedic 3inch Thermagel Cooling Mattress Topper: full was $84.99 now $69 at WalmartHot sleeper? We got you covered with this budget-friendly memory foam mattress topper from Serta. While the material is usually infamous for trapping heat, this 3-inch Sertapedic topper consists of CertiPUR-US certified cooling gel infused adaptive memory foam which contours to your form, giving you cooling pressure relief for a goodnight's rest. Right now you can save up to $30.84 which drops the MSRP of a full size topper from $84.99 to $64 while a queen will cost you $75.92 (was $94.88). This also comes with a 90-day free returns policy on Walmart.
Sealy Dreamlife Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: full was $139 now $118.99 at WalmartThis medium-feel 3" topper is designed to provide cushioning comfort, breathability and pressure relief for all sleepers. Crafted from CertiPUR-US certified gel-infused memory foam, it will work by cradling your form to help you have a rested night's sleep. You can now save up to $28.35 on the Sealy Dreamlife on Walmart which reduce the price of a full size from $139 to $118 while a king is now $160.65 (was $189). Plus it also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Sleep Innovations Dual Layer mattress topper: full now $129.99 at AmazonYou're basically getting two toppers for the price of one with this Sleep Innovation dual-layer model. This 4" memory foam mattress topper consists of a removable and washable 2" pillowtop cover which you can stretch like a fitted sheet, while the 2" cooling gel-foam layer beneath works to offer plush cushioning support for all sleepers. This CertiPUR-US certified topper is suitable for those who prefer pressure relieving comfort with a medium-feel. Bonus? It comes with an incredible 10-year warranty for stress-free purchase. Grab it now at $129.99 for a full and $$139.99 for a queen size.
A supportive mattress requires a supportive bed frame. In a dorm with limited space you'll also likely want a frame that provides some sort of storage. Whether you're shopping a twin, twin XL or full bed frame, we've got options for you...
Blorly Metal Bed Frame: twin was $129.99 now $34.66 at WalmartWith a huge 73% off, this twin metal bed frame with a subtle headboard and footboard is just $34.66 down from $129.99. It has a modern and minimalist style and promises great "stability and strength". Even a full size is only $37.98 (was $132) — that's a bargain and a half. Though a twin XL is more expensive at $71.99 (was $144.99), it's not exactly bank-breaking.
NEIDEN Bed Frame: twin now $49 at IKEAThis natural solid wood bed frame is chic as it is, or it provides a good surface for you to make it your own by staining, painting or waxing it. It's compact for small spaces but is still high enough for you to place storage boxes underneath. At $49 for a twin size, you'll be hard pressed to find a quality wooden bed frame at such a reasonable price elsewhere.
SHLAND Metal Bed Frame: twin XL now $52 at WalmartThis 4.7-star rated bed frame is a bargain at Walmart at $52 for a twin XL size now. You can even bag a full size under $100 ($76 now down from $87.88). It's made with black metal and has a rustic wood headboard and footboard giving a vintage aesthetic. It's easy to assemble in three simple steps and there's no box spring needed. Plus there's 12" of under-bed storage space. It ships free and can be returned within 30 days.
Eavesince Metal Bed Frame: twin XL was $79.99 now $66.99 at WalmartThe Eavesince is a sturdy and durable bed frame made of high-quality steel. It's minimalist and has ample sotrage space beneath. Customers give it 4.4 out of 5 stars and say it's easy to assemble and well designed. A twin, twin XL and full now cost $59.99, $66.99 and $95.99 respectively with shipping and 90-days returns included.
6" Bed Frame: full was $104.99 now $94.49 at Bed Bath & BeyondThis bed frame is built with high-quality metal and a powder-coated surface that offers rust and scratch resistance. At 6" it lifts your mattress just slightly off the floor, making it ideal for students who sleep hot (generally, the lower the bed is the cooler it is). There's 10% off now dropping a full size to $94.49, or you can bag a twin for $71.99 (was $79.99). Bed Bath & Beyond offer payment options where you can spread the cost interest-free too.
Mellow Olena Upholstered Bed Frame: full was $94 now $73.40 at WalmartThis one's for students who like a soft, sturdy headboard to lean up against when sitting up reading or studying in bed. It's made with sustainable bamboo slats and comes in black or gray, but only the black is discounted in a full size right now. There's $20.60 off, dropping this boujee-looking full size bed frame to just $73.40 (was $94). Plus shipping is free and you have 90 days to return it if it's not ideal for your dorm.
Comfortable bedding will complete your college sleep set-up so can cozy up and snooze peacefully after a long day of learning. Plus if you're sleeping on a previously-used dorm bed, you'll want a durable mattress protector to add a clean layer between you and the mattress.
Coop Sleep Goods Ultra-tech Waterproof Mattress Protector: twin from $46 from $36.80 at AmazonLiquids seeping into your dorm bed is the worst nightmare, as it can lead to mold and mildew if left untreated. A waterproof mattress protector is your ultimate saviour, especially on days you have to race through assignments with coffee in bed. We have tested the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector and found it to be 100% waterproof, temperature-regulating and noiseless. You can now find it at 20% off which drops the MSRP of a twin XL from $46 to $36.80.
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector: twin was $60 now $51 at SijoWe were impressed by the reliable waterproof protection of this hypoallergenic mattress protector Sijo Airyweight Eucalyptus Mattress Protector and reccomend it to anyone who wants to protect their mattress from any spills or accidents. Thanks to a 15% discount at Sijo, a twin XL is down to $51 from $60.
Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector: twin was $99 now $74.25 at Brooklyn BeddingOur lead tester for the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector review was so impressed with the cooling properties of this heat-dissipating protector that she frequently goes back to it when she's done testing other sleep products. While it's not the cheapest protector on the market, we feel it's a worthwhile investment if you're attending a college in a sun-belt state. Plus, a 25% July discount takes a twin XL to $81.75 (was $109).
Lane Linen 100% Cotton sheet set: twin from $29.49 from $26.99 at AmazonAn organic cotton bedsheet set is your best bet to have a cool, dry and refreshing sleep no matter the weather. It's also supremely soft, lightweight (making maintenance easy) and comes in a variety of chic colors and prints to match your aesthetic. Get a twin XL Lane Linen 100% Cotton sheet set including a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a queen size pillowcase now at $26.99 (was $29.49).
CGK 3-Piece Sheet set: twin from $32.99 from $27.99 at AmazonHere's another Amazon affordable bedsheet set made from soft, sweat-free, stain-proof and wrinkle resistant brushed microfiber. CGK sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and a pillowcase available in over 15 color tones. A twin XL set has now dropped in price from $32.99 to $27.99
CGK Unlimited Wrap Around Dust Ruffle Bed Skirt: twin was $30.99 now from $22.99 at AmazonPlan on using the space under your dorm bed for storage? A wrap-around bed skirt adds a neat finish to your bed, helps protect your belongings from dust and guards against curious eyes. This set from CGK Unlimited is available in five different lengths (in case you plan on lofting your bed) and a variety of color options, to suit your aesthetic as well as your need for privacy.
Our bedding expert, Becky George, has tested her fair share of pillows this year, from ones costing up to $500 to budget picks. In short, she knows a good pillow when she lays on one. But which ones does she recommend to college students?
Coop Sleep Goods Essence Adjustable Pillow: queen pack from $85 from $65 at Coop Sleep GoodsHere's a chance to grab a queen pack of Essence Adjustable pillows from the same brand which designed our best pillow overall: the Coop Sleep Goods Original Adjustable. Crafted from breathable, soft and plush fully-adjustable down-alternative fiber fill, this also feature a 2-inch gusset for comfy support all night long and is suitable for all sleeping styles. Plus this comes with a 100-night sleep trial, 5-year warranty and free shipping.
Beckham Hotel Collection Down-Alternative Pillow: queen pack from $79.99 from $59.99 at AmazonOur best affordable pillow for side sleepers is crafted from soft yet supportive down-alternative 100% polyester fiber and comes encased in a no-shift breathable and moisture wicking 250 thread count cotton cover. In our reviewer's words, the Beckham pillow delivers "hotel-luxury sleep within a budget" (read our full Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow review for more details). You can now save up to 25% on a pack of queen pillows dropping the MSRP from $79.99 to $59.99.
Downstoria Feather Down Pillow: queen pack from $89.99 from $48.99 at AmazonThe comfort and support of real down and feathers is unmatched. With a three-layered design consisting of a down and feather fill encased in a smooth-to-touch cotton-blend cover with anti-pilling properties, the Downstoria Feather Down Pillow might just be budget-luxury pick you were looking for. You can now find a queen pack at 46% off which drops the MSRP from $89.99 to $48.99.
Brooklinen Marlow Pillow: queen pack from $130 from $88.40 at BrooklinenGrab this chance to get the popular Brooklinen Marlow pillow at 20% off when buying a standard pack. Unlike the down-alternative options here, the Marlow is made from cooling-infused contouring memory foam and polyester fiber. It also stands out with three-loft options which you can zip up or down to suit your preferences— meaning it could suit any sleeping position. A pack of queen pillows is now $88.40 (was $130).
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pillow: was $89 now $67 at AmazonSoft, squishy and low loft, the lead tester in our Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud pillow review found this pillow ideal for stomach and back sleeping. It also has a secret feature — it can be rolled and taken on-the-go, for any students planning regular trips back home. We did spot this pillow for slightly cheaper during Prime Day but at the current price of $67, we think this luxury-feeling pillow is worth the money.
Granted, world-first, top-rated smart beds probably aren't in your college budget. But that doesn't mean you should rule fancy tech out of your sleep routine. There are plenty of more affordable sleep gadgets to help your recovery this semester.
If our sleep tech tester, Eve Davies, could wind back a couple of years, here's what she'd be taking with her to college...
Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock: was $99.99 now $53.99 at AmazonThe Hatch Restore 3 is our current favorite sunrise alarm clock. But it comes at the premium price of $169 (before you sign up for a monthly subscription fee). So with a tighter budget in mind, we recommend the Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock, which you can bag for $53.99 at Amazon now after a 46% discount. Garnished with a chic cotton cover, it is very much a dupe of Hatch and doubles as a sound machine and night light too.
Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker: $35.99 at JabeesThere's no getting around the fact dorm rooms can be noisy and while sometimes it'll likely be you up partying, on other nights you'll want to drown out the noise to sleep peacefully — this is when the Jabees Peace Pillow Speaker will be your best friend. You place this bone conduction speaker under your pillow and can chose from a library of natural sleep sounds or connect it to your mobile via Bluetooth. It's $35.99 at Jabees now and you can get 10% off if you sign up to the brand's emails.
MUSICOZY Bluetooth Sleep Headphones: was $39.99 now from $22.79 at AmazonA little more high-tech than your standard eye mask, the MUSICOZY Bluetooth Sleep Headphones combine a total blackout effect with in-built speakers to create a cozy cocoon. Pair it with your favorite pink noise for sleep playlist and you'll be able to block out even that roommate who has apparently never heard of 'bedtime'. The current sale is even better than usual from MUSICOZY, with this black model now only $22.79, but you can often pick up a pair for under $30.
Bob and Brad eye massager: was $99.99 now $59.99 at AmazonYou're likely going to be spending a lot of time looking at a screen as you wade through college assignments this year and that can put immense strain on your eyes. In turn, they can feel irritated when it comes to sleeping at night. This is where the Bob and Brad eye massager provides relief. Best used as part of your nighttime routine, it has a cooling gel mask you put in the freezer before fitting to the mask for it to deliver soothing, cooling compression to alleviate tired or irritated eyes. There's 40% off at Amazon right now, cutting the mask down to $59.99 from $99.99.
Hooga red book light: was $14.99 now $12.99 at AmazonBe you catching up on class reading or enjoying some chick lit before bed, this red light clip is a saviour for your sleep. The red light promotes melatonin production while you read, helping you feel sleepy and drift off fast. Plus you won't have to move to turn any light off — bliss. After 13% off at Amazon, you can snap up this light clip for just $12.99 now (was $14.99). It's a marginal saving, but $2 is $2. And this handy gadget is certainly worth it.
Tech aside, there are many other products our team relied on to help them sleep at college. Sleep writer Ruth Jones relied on a comfortable sleep mask, while sleep editor Lauren Jefferies says "earplugs saved me."
With the benefit of hindsight, here's what we'd be packing if we were heading back to school this year...
Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs: was $27.95 now $20.95 at AmazonYes, sleep headphones and speakers are great for blocking out noise, but if you just want peace and quiet to sleep, these Loop Quiet 2 earplugs will be your best friend at college. They helped Lauren sleep next to a nightclub, so it's save to say they'll be able to block out noisy dorm mates too. There's 25% off at Amazon now, cutting the cost of these reusable, comfortable silicone earplugs to $20.95 (was $27.95) — we think that's a wise investment. They're better for your wallet and the planet than single-use foam buds.
Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual Pillow Spray: was $9.98 now $7.98 at AmazonWe've tested pillow mists from Muse Apothecary and found just a small spritz delivers powerful, long-lasting scent. A touch of this lavender scented spray on your pillow creates a soothing aroma to help ease you into sleep, from just $7.98 at Amazon. If you're not a fan of floral scents, a member of our team swears by the rich Warm Cedar Peace spray from Muse Apothecary, now from $14.98 at Amazon.
Umisleep Pure Mulberry Sleep Mask: was $19.99 now $14.99 at AmazonLight signals to our circadian rhythms when its time to wake up, while a lack of light indicates it's time to go to sleep. An eye mask allows you to block out all the light sources that might be keeping you up, from your roommates laptop at 3am to the early morning sunlight creeping through your dorm room blinds. This mask from Umisleep is made from 100% silk so it feels gentle on the face and it comes with its own travel pouch.
Breathe Right Extra Strength Nasal Strips: was $19.99 now $14.99 at AmazonWe're sure you don't snore, honestly, but at least if you pack a few nasal strips you can prove to your roommate it's not you making all that noise. Holding the nostrils open to improve airflow, we found Breathe Right Nasal strips effective at stopping snoring and helping us sleep with a cold (for when you catch the freshman flu.) And in the sale you can pick up a pack of 44 for just $14.99.
Keeping your dorm bed clean extends its lifespan and can even help you sleep better — less of the itching, sneezing and watery eyes that can result from dirty bedding.
For many freshmen, this is the first time being completely in charge of their own laundry so we want to keep it as simple as possible. The laundry products below are easy to use, even for a novice. And while they might not make the most exciting 'good luck at college' gifts, they're probably the most useful.
All Free & Clear Mighty Pacs Laundry Detergent 56 Count: was $20.99 now $15.97 at AmazonFor any freshman doing their own laundry for the first time, these laundry detergent capsules from All take the stress out of cleaning your sheets. Simply drop a capsule in the drum, add your sheets, choose your setting, sit back and relax. Plus, with no scent and no dye, the Free & Clear Mighty Pacs are suitable for sensitive skin.
JPHYLL Mattress Vacuum: was $299.99 now $39.99 at AmazonBe you in a dorm or at home, regularly vacuuming your mattress is key to keeping it dust and bed bug-free, and a reliable mattress vacuum makes easy work of this chore. Granted, you won't want to splash too much cash on specialized cleaning gadgets, but we simply couldn't leave out this JPHYLL mattress vacuum after seeing 87% off — that's not a typo! This limited time deal means you can get this $299.99 vacuum for $39.99 before heading back to school. Amazon users rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars and docket it a "must have".
Shout Active Enzyme Laundry Stain Remover Spray 22oz: was $4.04 now $3.36 at AmazonListen, we always recommend using your bed for nothing but sleep (it helps your brain associate being in bed with drifting off) but we know space is hard to come by in a dorm and your mattress will sometimes have to double-up as a table / workspace / meeting area. When this inevitably results in spills and mess, a stain remover like this spray from Shout Active can be used to treat marks before they become a permanent addition to your sheets.
Utopia Bedding Premium Waterproof Mattress Encasement: twin was $18.99 now $17.99 at AmazonWe've recommend some of our favorite mattress protectors above, but an encasement adds an extra layer of protection to your bed. Covering all six sides of the mattress with a zippered closing, the Utopia Bedding Premium Mattress Encasement can help guard your mattress against mites and pests, as well as spills and stains. Available in a range of sizes and depths to suit any mattress, a 10-inch twin XL currently isn't on sale but at just $28.99 MSRP, it's a budget-friendly buy.
Science shows good sleep is the foundation of solid academic performance and brain function. A 2019 study involving 100 students conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep correlated with better grades. The authors note: "Sleep measures accounted for nearly 25% of the variance in academic performance."
What's more, board-certified physician, certified sleep specialist, pediatrician Angela Holliday-Bell says good sleep "helps your brain store what you've learned, keeps your focus sharp, and makes it easier to solve problems or think clearly during tests."
Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell is a board-certified physician, certified sleep specialist, pediatrician and founder of the Solution is Sleep LLC. She specializes in helping people utilize the power of sleep to improve employee wellness and optimize performance. Her expertise also includes providing infant and toddler sleep training and managing behavioral insomnia in kids.
Dr. Holliday-Bell recognises it can be "difficult to prioritize sleep while still enjoying a social life and excelling academically in college". But here are her top tips for getting the best rest possible at college:
Dr. Holliday-Bell final nugget of advice? "The key is finding balance," she says. "Making time for rest helps you show up more focused, efficient, and present in both academics and social life."
You dorm likely comes equipped with the basics for a good night's sleep, with a bed frame and mattress typically included as standard. Dorm beds are normally twin XL, twin or full size but make sure to double check the dimensions before you make any purchases.
A new mattress isn't a necessity for a dorm room but dorm beds don't have a reputation for comfort. If you have the money, a new mattress can help you enjoy better sleep throughout your college career. Alternatively, consider a mattress topper. These are, on average, less expensive than a mattress and can enhance the comfort of your bed.
Now, the bedding. A mattress protector is a must — you need something between you and the dorm mattress, plus it keeps your bed clean. We also recommend investing in a pillow, choosing the right pillow loft for your sleep.
A set of sheets is also a requirement. Opt for easy cleaning materials, while breathable sheets are a good choice if you're moving to a warmer climate. If you can, get two pairs, so you always have a clean set ready to go.
Finally, opt for an all-seasons comforter, blanket or duvet. You probably won't have room for a spare, so choose something that's good for every weather.