By Kira Caldwell, Guest writer
Sleep deprivation in teens is an ongoing issue. Not getting enough sleep affects school performance, as well as the mind, and body. Sleep deprivation can occur when people don’t get enough sleep, sleep at the wrong time of day, don’t sleep well, or have a sleep disorder, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
There are many reasons why students at Indian Trail High School & Academy aren’t getting enough sleep.
“Sometimes we get a lot of homework, we’re stressing out a lot and doing things last minute. And technology, I’m always up on my phone late at night,” said Alex Perez, a Communications Academy junior.
“Teens don’t get enough sleep, probably, because they’re hanging out with friends, doing extra stuff, or working,” said Gilberto Gonzalez, a General Studies junior. “I sleep about five hours, and I think teens should sleep about eight hours.”
The National Sleep Foundation says teens need eight to 10 hours a night to function best, though one study found only 15 percent of teens reported sleeping about nine hours on school nights.
Sleep deprivation can affect judgment, mood, and the ability to retain information. It can also lead to health problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even mortality, says a study done by the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard University. Not getting enough sleep affects teens majorly in their school performance, most teens don’t know the real short and long term side effects of sleep deprivation.
“I usually eat some candy I keep in my backpack whenever I get really tired,” said Marie Christenson, a Communications Academy junior on ways she stays awake. “It leads to less energy, you’re more tired more often and don’t want to do anything. You don’t want to finish your homework because you’re tired.”
It is up to either the school or the individual to make sure they’re getting the proper amount of sleep.
“Schools should start a little later in the day, even elementary students start school later and they’re always up earlier before us. We’re still sleeping while they’re awake,” said Perez. “I think we should have a later start, and they should have an earlier start. Individuals should try to sleep earlier. They need to lay down, relax, and try to sleep.”
There are many viewpoints on issue of sleep deprivation, both students and school officials should be aware of the serious dangers caused by not getting enough sleep.