The balance of sleep, homework, school and work

Hearing the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” has become far too common when the expression represents a society that allows endless demands to overshadow the necessary sleep for teens. A perfect SAT score, an outstanding GPA, a normal social life, a job, extensive extra-curricular activities and sports, and these are just a handful of expected tasks that fall on teenagers. It seems as though there aren’t enough hours in a day to fulfill this reality, and too often the solution is giving up sleep.

Hearing the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” has become far too common when the expression represents a society that allows endless demands to overshadow the necessary sleep for teens. A perfect SAT score, an outstanding GPA, a normal social life, a job, extensive extra-curricular activities and sports, and these are just a handful of expected tasks that fall on teenagers. It seems as though there aren’t enough hours in a day to fulfill this reality, and too often the solution is giving up sleep. National Sleep Foundation found that teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep but only 15 percent of teens are actually getting that rest.

Teenage years’ are essential to the growth and development of kids, as crucial learning and preparation takes place to build a foundation for adult life. However teens are not fully utilizing and putting forth their best effort during this time period because functioning without enough sleep is so strenuous. Sleep can also affect anxiety levels and eating habits, leaving many teens’ physical and mental health deteriorating with the amount of sleep they do not have.

If teens made sure to fit enough sleep into their schedules, their performance in exams and other aspects of life would improve as well. Ghent University and University of Leuven had researchers conduct surveys with students about sleep and found that with more sleep students were also more likely to have better test scores. Students are working endlessly for achievements and goals that could be easier to reach if they spent more time sleeping.

It is clear teens need more sleep, but ultimately the problem is the pressure put on them, causing them to give up such a necessary task that is sleep. Requirements within school and outside activities are especially demanding. Getting into college has become increasingly difficult and even while excelling at the prerequisites needed, students are not guaranteed a spot in their dream school. While this is a stressful and faulty reality, it does not seem to be one that is going to change soon.

Teens need to learn healthier habits than giving up sleep. Finding a balance within your life is necessary for everyone to achieve. It is easy for certain aspects of life to dominate your time leaving you trying to catch up in other areas. When this happens most likely sleeping habits will be the factor harmed. If your days are too busy and sleep has become neglected, examine your life and find a healthier fix to being overwhelmed. While saving sleep for when you are dead may seem like an easy fix to your busy schedule, many times it will leave you with bigger problems and more regret.