Many students struggle to get enough sleep because of homework, sports and spending too much time on their phones. Waking up early for school makes it even harder to get the rest they need. Over time, not getting enough sleep can affect students’ health, mood and grades.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers ages 13 to 18 should get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night. However, busy schedules and late nights can make this difficult.
One major reason students stay up late is their phones. Watching videos, scrolling through social media and texting friends can keep students awake longer than they planned. Even when they finally go to bed, they may struggle to fall asleep.
Homework is another common problem. Students who have tests, projects and assignments may stay up late trying to finish everything. Sports and other after-school activities can also leave them with less time to rest.
Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to concentrate in class, remember information, and stay awake during lessons. It can also make students feel more stressed and irritated throughout the day.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to help teenagers get enough sleep.
“I normally do get enough sleep, but I know the struggle of not being able to. A lot of my friends don’t,” said junior Santiago Garcia Palau.
Another junior, Diego de Teran, agrees.
“I struggle with getting sleep, mostly because of other priorities such as doing homework and sports,” he said.
Students can improve their sleep by putting their phones away before bed, following a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding late-night activities. Getting enough rest can help students feel better and focus more during school.
“Having my phone and a TV at night really affects how many hours of sleep I get, and I’m actively trying to change that,” said junior Nicholas Quiroz.
Sleep is an important part of a student’s daily routine, and making time for it can help both health as well as academic performance
