It’s 2 am and a student is doing homework because he was doing other stuff throughout the day (sports, other homework, scrolling, etc). In the morning at 7am he is on the way to school very tired and wishing he did not stay up so late.
Before the school day starts, many students are fully awake. Between late-night homework, studying for tests, extracurricular activities and scrolling through social media, getting enough sleep can be a challenge. How much does this lack of sleep affect students in class?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers ages 13 to 18 should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Many students struggle to meet this due to busy schedules and early school start times.
Sleep is crucial for students to learn and succeed academically. Without enough rest, students may struggle to concentrate, remember info, and stay alert in class. Lack of sleep can also affect students’ moods and make it harder to manage everyday stress.
“I think students sometimes sacrifice sleep to finish homework or study for tests,” said Nathan, a sophomore student. “It can be hard to balance everything and still get enough rest.”
Technology is also a contributing factor to the problem. Many students use their phones late at night, watching videos, playing games, or chatting with friends. This can delay going to sleep and make it tough to keep a consistent sleep schedule.
“A big factor that prevents students from getting enough sleep? Is not going to bed early” stated Ezra, an eighth grader. Caleb, a sophomore, “says that students should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep.”
Experts say students should maintain a regular bedtime, limit screen time before bed, and have a relaxing night time routine. Planning homework and studying earlier in the day may also help students avoid staying up late.
As students balance academics and personal life, a question remains: do they really prioritize sleep as much as grades?
Written by Jonathan Dan
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