Teenagers are biologically driven to sleep more than members of any other age group, yet most of us are consistently losing sleep because of school, work or extracurricular activities. Teens typically need upwards of nine hours of sleep per night, and it is obvious most are not meeting that requirement (kidshealth.org).



According to the American Psychological Association (APA), common side affects of sleep deprivation include drowsiness, fatigue, difficulties in school, sleepiness, poor concentration and disciplinary problems. Unlike in past years, researchers now realize that these out of sync sleeping patterns are biological. Teenagers between 13-19 simply have a biological tendency to wake later than other age groups. More so, the older a teenager gets, the less sleep he/she typically receives.



Everyone has a ‘body clock.' As sixth graders, we are able to stay alert all day on nine hours of sleep. By the time we reach high school, we need at least ten hours of sleep to stay alert all day (webmd.com). Many teenagers also compensate for missed sleep during the week by sleeping in on the weekends. This is not a good idea, since this only serves to confuse the body’s sleep patterns even more, and make Monday much more difficult.



The typical teenager does not feel tired until 11 or 12 am, a result of the body’s circadian rhythm (apa.org). Obviously the idea of simply forcing a teen to go to bed earlier will not be effective, since the body is not nearly hormonally ready for sleep. However, getting up later is not an option most of the time either, since school start time is not negotiable.



A 1998 clinical study of 40 high school students published in the journal 'Sleep' found a common link between poor sleep habits and lackluster grades (apa.org). In fact, students that received C’s or below regularly received 25 minutes or more less sleep than B or above students. Various research studies have also discovered a link between ADHD and sleep deprivation, as well as depression and sleep deprivation.



“I feel healthier when I get more sleep,” said Raymond Chittock, junior at Hayes.



Teen drivers are dangerous for many reasons, but new findings make them even more of a risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Association (NHTA), over 100,000 accidents per year occur as a result of drivers that are drowsy or fatigued, and in over half of these cases, these drivers are teens.



On average, 20 to 30 percent of students sleep through their first period class (apa.org). An easier solution would be to start school later and allow teens to get more sleep. In fact, many schools are beginning the process of pushing back their start time. A bill introduced in the House of Representatives in 1998 would even offer schools grants to allow for such administrative adjustments. Schools that have moved start times have noticed a drastic improvement in student achievement, as well as attendance and overall attitude. However, Hayes is not one of these schools that has back moved the first bell.



“I don’t notice a change in my schoolwork, but I am more vulnerable to falling asleep in class when I don’t get enough sleep,” said Chittock.



So what can you do to make sure you maximize your sleep? For starters, wake at the same time every day, even on weekends. Although no one really wants to get up before the sun on Saturday morning, it will keep your body in rhythm. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier a night will also be helpful, since it takes the average teen time to fall asleep. Avoiding sugary drinks, or drinks loaded with caffeine, for a few hours before bedtime will also be to your advantage.

Multiple studies have shown that by pushing back the school start time, many students are more alert and successful. More so, many schools are beginning the process of opening later on a regular basis. However, since Hayes is not one of these schools, it would be wise to take advantage of whatever sleep you can get, and enjoy Wednesday mornings.