Sleep is something that seems to be commonly discussed among high schoolers all the time. Comparing how many hours of sleep you average per week seems to be a fun activity amidst all the other stressors of life. After an early morning followed by a packed school day that is then concluded with a few extracurriculars, the time to study and complete homework is sometimes scarce. However, going to bed without completing every single homework assignment or before completely studying all the material covered is not an option. Oftentimes, students stay up until the wee hours of the morning, and some do not sleep at all. However, sleep is incredibly important, and this is easily overlooked. Here are three major reasons why you should get enough sleep.
1. Be gone, pathogens!
For one, sleep boosts your immunity to illness. Essentially, sleep deprivation decreases the availability of the chemicals, proteins and hormones needed to fight off disease. This lengthens the time we are sick. For those concerned about productivity, the last time I checked, the only things I like to do while sick are lay in bed and watch Netflix. It’s hard to focus on the work you’re supposed to be doing when your body is exhausted fighting off your maladies. So next time that cold won't go away, take a hint and go to sleep.
2. Control your mood.
Second of all, lack of sleep can lead to mental disorders. When you don't get in sleep, your brain starts to lose the ability regulate anger. If your moodiness that you attribute to being tired is your excuse for snapping at one of your friends, it’s no surprise that on a more grand scale, a lack of sleep can lead to both anxiety and depression. Take doctors for example. These hard-working medical professionals barely get any sleep, so when their bedside manner is lacking, you'll know why.
3. Stayin' Alive
Lastly, your life expectancy directly correlates to the amount of sleep you get per night. According to studies conducted by Harvard, not sleeping enough hours per night can increase your mortality risk by upwards of 15 percent. Yes, your grades do matter, but you can't get into college if you're dead.
Students may question how they can get their work done while still getting enough sleep. However, it is possible with less procrastination, better time management and accountability. Productivity can heavily be increased by simply planning ahead and setting time-sensitive goals for yourself. By holding yourself to these goals, sleep should easily be able to fit into your schedule.
With all of the expectations placed upon students, our health often does not take top priority. Still, a conscious effort is needed to ensure that you are sleeping your best so that you can perform your best, too!
