Do you have a hard time falling asleep? Are you tired all the time? Maybe it's time to assess your sleep habits.
As a high school student, it’s common to lack a full night's rest. Whether it be waking up too early, or going to bed too late, students everywhere report feeling a lack of energy throughout the day. So, why are teenagers always so tired? The answer to this question is more complicated than one may think.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least eight to ten hours of sleep each night. Most teens don’t get enough sleep each night, with the average hours of sleep being six and a half hours to seven and a half hours. These sleep issues all come down to the quality of sleep and the routine surrounding bedtime.
Sleep hygiene is the practices and habits that contribute to good quality sleep on a regular basis. Sleep hygiene is extremely important because promoting healthy sleep habits will help one fall asleep and stay asleep easier than they are used to. Some sleep hygiene practices include going to bed at the same time each night, having a dark and quiet bedroom, avoiding electronics before bed, and avoiding caffeine before bed.
“Keep a sleep diary for a week. Pay attention to your sleep in a structured way. And be sure to record how you felt during the day. This can really help you make the link between how you slept the night before, and how you feel during the day. It’s amazing how much you will learn about your sleep, and its impact on your life.”
There are many consequences of sleep deprivation, especially on students. It is shown that students who prioritize their sleep habits usually see an improvement in their grades and have better skills to cope with stress. Sleep also is extremely important for strengthening memories. According to Harvard, “Despite the sleepiness you might feel the next day, one late night probably won’t have a major impact on your well-being. But regularly short-changing yourself on quality sleep can have serious implications for school, work, and your physical and mental health.”
Sleep is such an important factor in one’s quality of life, but often gets overlooked and neglected. Take the time to pick apart your sleep routine and focus on the quality of each factor of sleep hygiene. Doing this can ensure that you are well rested and feeling lively.
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