Heath Alert for Freshmen: Excessive Dark Circles under Eyes Could Indicate Significant Health Problems, Sleep Specialist Discloses
University Life and Possible Health Concerns: A Warning from Dr. Jordan Burns
As the new academic year begins, many students are adjusting to the changes that come with university life. From balancing late-night socialising and early morning lectures, to managing a new environment and routine, this transition can disrupt sleep patterns, according to Dr. Jordan Burns from Amerisleep.
Dr. Burns warns that students often overlook the symptoms of disrupted sleep, mistaking them for normal signs of university life. Symptoms such as dark under-eyes, breakouts, or dull skin could be signs of more than just late nights and early mornings.
Freshers' week marks the start of the new academic year, and students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and act quickly if they notice persistent changes in their health or appearance. During the first few weeks of university, students are particularly susceptible to changes as their routine changes dramatically.
Dark under-eyes, in particular, could indicate serious health problems, including conditions linked to freshers' flu. Freshers' flu is a term used to describe the wave of mild viral infections that sweep through university halls in the early weeks of term. The risk of contracting it rises with poor sleep, as it wears down your immune system.
Dr. Burns advises students to prioritize getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. He also suggests establishing as much of a consistent sleep schedule as possible, and managing caffeine and alcohol intake during the first few weeks of university.
In addition to sleep, the NHS advises students to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. If symptoms persist, students are advised to seek medical advice. Dark blue eye coverings during university freshmen week could be suspected to indicate medical conditions related to liver disease, such as signs of bruising or altered blood coagulation, which sometimes accompany hepatitis or liver dysfunction.
Persistent dark circles accompanied by symptoms like constant fatigue, shortness of breath, cold hands or feet, a persistent headache, or sudden shifts in appetite could indicate conditions beyond freshers' flu. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice promptly.
Awareness of these potential health concerns could help prevent serious complications. By taking care of themselves, students can ensure they have a successful and healthy university experience.
