Jack Schmeiser, a Sophomore, recently stated, “I try to go to sleep by 9:30, but I think way too much about my day at school…My mind just doesn’t rest.” As kids we used to despise naps and having a set bedtime. Yet, now that we are older, it seems that sleep is the one that hates us.

Generally speaking, sleep deprivation is when a person does not get enough sleep. According to the American Sleep Association, when someone is in a chronic sleep-restricted state they’ll notice excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, clumsiness, and weight gain or weight loss. In addition, being sleep-deprived affects both the brain and cognitive function.

The National Sleep Foundation research proves that teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to function best. One study found that only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on school nights. Teens have the tendency to have irregular sleep patterns due to staying up late on weeknights and sleeping in late on the weekends. Along with this, many teens suffer from sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and insomnia.

Sleep deprivation is more than just not sleeping. It can be fatal. Unfortunately, when the human body does not get enough sleep, it is equivalent to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. This is extremely dangerous for the many teens who drive. Teens are already more likely to be involved in a fatal crash due to texting. A lack of sleep, which could lead to falling asleep at the wheel, will definitely contribute to teen distracted driving.

When Tallwood Lions were asked how much sleep they get on average school night they responded:

9th grade, Alexis, 7 hours

9th grade, Hailey F, 5-6 hours

9th grade, Kayla, 5-6 hours

10th grade, Cat, 4 hours

10th grade, Kasandra, 9 hours

10th grade, Caroline Vorndran, 5 hours

11th grade, Raphael, 6-7 hours

11th grade, Stefon, 4-5 hours

11th grade, Joana G., 6-7 hours

11th grade, Reyjee, 0-4 hours

12th grade, Chris, 3-4 hours
High school is not going to get any easier without sleep. Perhaps it is time for the school district to deeply consider the health of high school students and give us a later starting time. The fact is we will not roar the loudest but yawn the loudest if things do not change for us soon.