Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep each night, yet most get way less than that. Teenagers have busy schedules full of extracurriculars, sports, and schoolwork, which makes it more difficult for them to get sufficient sleep. However, this also stresses the need to rest. Studies have shown that a full night’s sleep is crucial for teenage health.
According to the National Institute of Health, not getting enough sleep can cause problems with listening, learning, and performing everyday tasks: “You may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, remembering things, managing your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. You may take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes.”
This suggests that even simple schoolwork can become harder when students don’t get the rest they need.
There are many signs of inadequate sleep, such as dozing off while:
- Sitting and reading or watching TV
- Sitting in public places
- Riding in the car
- Talking to peers
- Eating meals
- While caught up in traffic
These might seem like small things, but when students doze off during everyday activities or tasks, it’s a sign that they are in need of sleep and overworked.
To understand student perspectives, Highlands High School students were surveyed about their views on sleep and how it affects their daily lives. According to the results, 95% of students agree that sleep plays an important role.
Students were also asked what they notice is different when getting not enough sleep. “I feel groggy and not as ready for the day as I would like to be,” Vera Knight (9) said. This goes to show that the amount of sleep a student gets is crucial and sets the tone for the day.
How people feel when they’re awake is a reflection of their sleep the night before. Sleeping provides rest for the body as well as the brain. Lacking hours of sleep can have a negative effect on performance in everyday life. Additionally, according to an article called How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health, poor sleep can also affect mood, making students feel more anxious or sad.
A good night’s sleep, however, can improve how much information the brain can remember. Specifically, in school, getting enough sleep can have an influence on assignment performance, group projects, tests, and more. With major tests like the ACT and SAT coming up, it is even more important to put sleep first.
According to an article called How Electronics Affect Sleep, oftentimes, electronics are a large contributor to not getting enough sleep at night. The blue light from the screens tricks the body and disrupts natural sleep cycles.
“It takes me longer to fall asleep at night when I had just been on my phone, even if it’s just for 15 minutes before bed, I definitely notice a difference,” Chaney Russell (11) said.
It is recommended that all electronics be turned off an hour before bedtime to help the mind and body prepare for rest.
An article called The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Body explains that “not getting enough sleep drains your mental abilities and puts your physical health at risk.”
Many people focus on how sleep affects the mind, but it’s just as important for the body. Research shows that long-term sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system and increase risk for chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Sleep is a major factor in success, not only in health but also in school performance. School can be mentally and physically draining. Long days of classes, homework, and practices can take a toll on the body. Without proper sleep, teens struggle with focusing in school and can even suffer physical consequences.
Sleep is non-negotiable, and it’s important that adolescents prioritize their rest. Having good sleep habits can set teenagers up to be healthy and for success in school and everyday life.
