Harvard University Health Services

Health Topics: Sleep Disturbances

Sleep Disturbances

Each night (for the most part), you retreat to a dark room, surround yourself with pillows and blankets, and surrender to a much needed sub-conscious state. It is still somewhat of a mystery as to why your body does this, but it is known that the amount of sleep you get affects your well-being.

Sleep is controlled by hormones and is affected by increasing light or darkness. Your body maintains a cycle of sleep, taking cues from patterns of meals, social interactions, and physical activity. That's why disruptions in these areas (traveling, cramming for tests, a new baby) often effect your sleep patterns.

On-Campus Resources: Sleep Disturbances

HUHS Lending Library

Call: 617-495-9629
HUHS has a free lending library where members of the Harvard community can borrow CDs, tapes, and DVDs with information on this topic (valid Harvard or HUGHP ID required), including "Healthful Sleep".  Center for Wellness Lending Library, HUHS at Holyoke Center, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

HUHS Resources for Students

Center for Wellness & Health Communication
At the Center for Wellness you can get more information about sleep disturbances and effective methods to getting a good night sleep. Stop by to speak with a staff member or call 617-495-9629.

Medical Services
HUHS medical staff diagnose and treat problems with sleep and sleep apnea. To discuss your concerns, call to make an appointment with your primary care clinician.

Mental Health Services
617-495-2402
HUHS mental health staff discuss concerns about sleep disturbances and provide referrals as needed.  Call to make an appointment with a mental health clinician.

Room 13
617-495-4969
Every night from 7 pm to 7 am, Room 13 is staffed by two students-usually a man and a woman-to listen and respond to whatever you have to say. You don't need an appointment. Your name will not be recorded. You won't be pressured to bare your soul. Simply call or walk down the outside staircase on the west side (Harvard Yard side) of Gray's Hall and ring the bell.

The Bureau of Study Counsel 
617-495-2581
Get counseling for concerns that affect student life. A confidential group is available for undergraduates to assess their patterns and problems with alcohol or other drugs.

In Common
617-495-9354
Graduate students call for peer support (Sunday through Friday, 8 pm to 12 am). You do not need to identify yourself.

Resources for Faculty and Staff
Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
617-495-HELP
Connect with the variety of services available at Harvard and in the general community. Confidential consultation, referral, and follow-up help provided.

Life-threatening emergencies: call 911 or 9 911 (from campus)  |   Urgent care at HUHS: 617.495.5711

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Disclaimer: The information provided on our website is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.