The sleeping habits of high school students have always been a problem. From procrastination, to studying for an exam, to even socializing with friends, sleep has always had a competitor. Technology has also had its impact on teens getting their rest. By saying you will watch one more episode of Netflix and then go straight to bed, or you will scroll once more and then turn the phone off for the night, does not really work at all, now does it? Social media is also a part of the technology problem. Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have been around for a very long time and have made communicating among mutuals very easy and convenient. Sophomore Nathaniel McDonald said, “I check my phone at least 5 times to go through my tumblr and Vine. 10:30pm is the latest I go to sleep at.” Distractions are all around us and can keep us from doing what matters most for the next day, a good night’s rest.

The average amount of time all teens should be getting is ten hours of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have an effect on your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. Sleep deprivation can cause irritability, hallucinations, risk of heart disease, and also symptoms similar to ADHD. Rest is involved in healing and in the repair of the heart and blood vessels. Not receiving enough sleep can also have an effect on your hormones that make you feel hungry or full. When you do not get enough sleep, this makes you hungrier than usual, and you do not feel as full. Sleep supports the healthy growth and development. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that deep sleep triggers the body to release the hormone that promotes normal growth in children and teens. This hormone also boosts muscle mass and helps repair cells and tissues. Sleep also participates in the puberty and fertility department.

Homework also plays an important role in the amount, or lack of sleep, that students get. Athletes are typically stressed about homework. After playing a big game and feeling sweaty, the only thing that feels left to do is to take a shower and crash for the night. Homework is the last thing on the mind of a pooped out teenager. Sophomore volleyball player Jenna Rogers said, “Well, it really depends on how much homework I get on a certain night and if I have a game or practice. Typically on a practice night with a normal amount of homework, I get seven hours of sleep. On game nights, especially if I have to work for the varsity game, I do not get but five or six hours, again depending on the amount of homework I get.” Huffingtonpost Healthy Living says that skimping on sleep to study will do no good.  Priorities must be made in order to have good grades and also keep a social life after and outside of school is what it what it must take to live a healthy and restful life. Therefore, time management and making sure teens do not procrastinate is key. Of course, that is easier said than done.