The Collegian

Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Opinion

Most people follow a bedtime routine consisting of washing their face, brushing their teeth and hopping into bed, but for some, getting to sleep at night isn't that simple.

When other people are normally changing into pajamas, sophomore James "Asa" Skinner is lacing up his walking shoes and preparing for a late-night stroll.

In order to get to sleep at night, Skinner must first walk around campus for up to an hour and a half. According to him, he suffers from stress-induced insomnia and a late-night walk just before bed helps to clear his head and relieve-built up stress.

This bedtime routine is nothing new for Skinner. According to him, he has been walking himself to sleep since his senior year in high school. While he was at home, he used to walk around his neighborhood, but now he walks around campus.

"I have a lot of energy and it keeps me awake at night," Skinner said. "So opposed to lying awake in bed, I go for a walk."

He added that sometimes he will talk to friends until he is tired, instead of taking a walk, but walking typically drains more energy.

On his strolls, he makes circuits around the campus, walking up and down hills. He has never seen anything out of the ordinary on his walks, he said, mostly because the campus is relatively empty late at night.

Besides taking in the scenery, Skinner enjoys listening to music. Lately, the soundtrack from the movie "Gladiator" has topped his playlist, though he also enjoys classical music.

"I generally try to relax and not think about anything, since I am trying to get to sleep. Classical music helps, since it's calming," Skinner said.

He added that he usually saves rock music for more stressful situations, such as after an exam.

Although having to walk might seem to be a pain to most people, Skinner has no problem with his bedtime routine.

Skinner's suitemate, sophomore Nathan Orlando, agreed.

"I never really thought much of it. It's just something that he does to clear his head," Orlando said.

Orlando added that sometimes Skinner also walks in the afternoon, depending on the day.

Skinner said he generally enjoys his walks and that they in no way interfere with his life.

"It's just something that I do," he said. "I made it into a routine and it works."

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