A lack of sleep can have a negative impact in major aspects of many individuals’ lives. Students are continuously struggling with getting enough sleep to actually be productive and feel refreshed. A lack of sleep can reduce focus and lower grades, and it is crucial for the brain to function properly and retain information. 

Junior Iva Nicohl said, “I would benefit from more sleep because I would be more focused and have more energy to have good grades. I would also process things better so it would be more beneficial in my life in every aspect.”

Students in high school are recommended eight to ten hours of sleep every night, yet the majority of students at FVHS only get two to six. It is a fact that getting six hours or less of sleep everyday for two weeks has the same effect on a student as if they’d stayed up for 48 hours straight. 

Balancing one’s life can be a struggle between school and home life as well as the sleep they should be getting. Students say that the biggest hurdle with finding this balance is their phone or a lack of time. 

Junior Olyvia McDougald said, “Homework, time management and my phone are the main causes of why I don’t get enough sleep.”

Considering how addictive phones can be and how the algorithms of social media are designed to keep people scrolling, students may choose to stay up even if they are physically exhausted. Not only this, but some students also have family issues to look after.

Senior Nafisa Chowdhury said, “Balancing family and school can be difficult when having to do schoolwork and having to take care of my nephew. These things get in the way of getting my assignments done, so I have to stay up in order to finish them.”

Sleep is so important for everybody, but especially students whose brains are still developing and maturing. Make sure to take care of your body and mind by acquiring the needed amount of sleep.