Sleep is something that everyone needs to function properly, especially in children and teens. According to The National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep a day. However, some teens are getting only 4 or 6 hours. Now, the pressure on teens is higher than they have been in the past. The majority of teenagers are juggling multiple AP classes, after school activities, and jobs. High-schools and middle schools start between 7:30 am and 8:30 am and don’t finish until at least 2:00 pm. Right after school, most teenagers have clubs or sports that last at least an hour. They also spend their time doing homework, which is also very time consuming. This doesn’t clock in the time it takes for transportation to and from activities.

“Well, homework usually takes me about 2 hours, but it depends on the day. I usually wait till later to do it because I’m so exhausted from school and I won’t go to bed until 11 pm,” sophomore Casey Damato said.

Without sleep, teens will become sleep deprived which can have critical effects on their mood, behavior, cognitive ability, academic performance and driving. According to the Time Warner Cable News, lack of sleep in adolescents is shown to increase risk for obesity, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. There is an increase in anxiety and depression, which can lead to risk-taking behaviors. Studies also show that new learning is consolidated through sleep and teens that stay up late to study will actually do worse than those who get enough rest. Lack of sleep can also lead to weight gain by altering the hormones that control hunger. At night your metabolism slows down and night snacking will cause weight gain.

“I am too tired to focus during school,” said sophomore Dominic Divens.

Ultimately, solutions exist for sleep deprivation and weight gain. The start time for high schools can be changed to begin later, and after-school activities can be coordinated to allow more time. Parents should also start informing and emphasizing the importance of sleep to their kids and making a strict bedtime. Teens also need to become more organized in how they manage their time and work efficiently. It is very important throughout the day for students to eat balanced meals and to restrict themselves from snacking late. These are all adjustments teens and children can do every day that will greatly impact their success at school and sleep schedule.

FSA Connection Questions

1. In the article, how does the author portray the importance of sleep for teens?
2. In the article the word “deprivation” means what?
3. Select the best two sentences from the story that support the idea of getting enough sleep.
4. What are some solutions the author believes will help the issue in the article?
5. What is the connotation of the word “consolidated” in the article?