Over 75% of teenagers in the US get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is the hidden superpower that all humans have. The benefits of sleep are endless, including improving academic performance, mental health, and daily functioning, as shown through scientific research and student experiences. The recommended sleep for teens is 8-10 hours, but very few teens even get that. Not getting the recommended amount of sleep can be very health-damaging for adults and teenagers. Poor sleep limits teens’ ability to focus and learn. Insufficient sleep can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health.
One anonymous student who prioritizes sleep states, “I usually go to bed around 10:30 and wake up at 7 on school nights. I try to keep it consistent.” Having a consistent sleep schedule helps him “not feel rushed” in the morning because he feels well rested and ready for the day. In school, he claims to “focus better in class, especially during lectures.” Saying that his brain “doesn’t feel foggy.” He tackles homework quickly and can read more easily, staying more focused. He also says that, “sleep helps me remember things better. When I study, it actually stays in my brain.” Sleep is also tied to stress, but not the way you may be thinking. A good night’s sleep can help someone not only have less stress but also deal with their stress more easily. “I still get stressed sometimes, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming.” Finally, sleep helps him have a positive mindset in and out of school. After a good night of sleep, he says, “I feel more motivated when I’m rested. I don’t dread school as much.”
Another anonymous student who doesn’t think sleep is as important says they, “…go to bed around 2 a.m., then wake up at 7 for school.” Sometimes they stay up with friends, do homework, or scroll social media and watch TV. When he tries to go to bed early, he says, “My brain just won’t shut off.” As for their school performance, he states, “I zone out a lot in class. Sometimes I don’t even remember what the teacher said.” A lack of sleep makes it hard to focus and remember things. “I’ll read something and realize I have to read it again because I didn’t quite understand.” Not getting sufficient sleep affects him throughout the day, leaving him tired and sometimes irritated. He even says, “Some days I just feel unmotivated and drained before the day even starts.” He is on a constant cycle of staying up late and waking up early, which is unhealthy. To get through the day, he says, “I rely on caffeine to get through the day, but it doesn’t really fix the problem.” Lacking the right amount of sleep will damage people physically, intellectually, and emotionally in their day-to-day lives.
The contrast between these 2 students shows the drastic importance that sleep can have on teens’ performance in school and throughout their day-to-day lives. Sleep will help students stay rested, focused, and overall healthier. Sleep is the secret key to success.
