The power of sleep

Whenever you ask a teenager how they’re feeling, you can always expect them to say “tired.” tired because of school, work, practice, homework, you name it. However, the real reason high schoolers are tired all the time is lack of sleep.

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and everyday life, and it’s especially important for teens whose brains are still developing. It’s generally recommended that teens get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep every night, though studies show they actually sleep for 7 to 7.5 hours on average. 

This lack of sleep results in poor concentration, stress, and falling asleep in class. It also forces students to rely on heavily caffeinated energy drinks that have been proven harmful to our health. In the long term, sleep deprivation can lead to depression and anxiety, decreased immunity to viruses like colds, and even increased risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes. 

On the flip side, having a consistent sleep schedule and getting enough rest each night will set you up for an energetic, productive school day, as well as a boosted immune system and improved heart health. So how can you maximize your sleep while still keeping up with life?

For me, a big part of getting enough sleep is being in bed at a reasonable time the night before. Turning down a night out with friends is never an easy decision, but I know I’ll thank myself for it the next day. As for the never-ending pile of homework many people struggle with, I always recommend doing as much as you can during  extra time/work time in class as to not be working on it throughout the night. 

Another thing that helps being well rested is creating an environment that’s comfortable to sleep in. Before sleeping, I like to light a candle, turn on my electric blanket, and play quiet rain sounds on my phone. Being able to look forward to sleep motivates me to stop doom-scrolling and get ready for bed.

Finally, the key to getting enough sleep is having a balanced life. If you are already taking 4 AP classes, go to practice every day of the week, and have to take care of your siblings, then applying for a job or starting your own business might not be the best choice right now! All this to say, don’t bombard your life to the point that you literally don’t have time to sleep, the one thing that can get you through all your commitments. 

After implementing any of these changes in your life and sleep, notice how you feel. Are you in a better mood? Are your energy levels higher throughout the day? Are you able to focus well in class? If the answer is yes, then you have experienced firsthand the power of sleep. It’s crazy to think about how something so routine yet undermined is at the base of our wellbeing, and treating our sleep schedule and habits just a little bit better can have such big positive  influences on our lives.