Lack of Sleep and its Effects on Students’ Energy by Paige Allen
Many High school students tend to struggle with getting enough sleep, which can affect their energy and focus throughout a school day. Jill Farrell, freshman shared “I usually begin to get tired around fifth period” and often goes to bed around 11:00 pm and wakes up early at 5:50 AM. The lack of rest leaves them exhausted before the school day is even over. Farrell explained that having to wake up early makes her feel bad because she knows they need more rest. Farrell said her “brain works better with more sleep and that being tired increases stress and lowers focus.” The limited amount of sleep makes it harder to stay alert in class.
Another student, Madison Davis, in 12th grade, shared that her old school started at 7:20 am and got out at 2:30. Davis said, “Mel-highs school hours let me get so much more sleep and not worried about having time to finish assignments.” Overall school hours widely affect students motivation and overall school performance, lifestyles are different addressing school hours.
Davis and Farrell mostly agreed on the same side of how school hours are set for Mel, and the fact that schools that start earlier make it more stressful on students, and the later times make students feel more comfortable with assignments. Getting more sleep has been proven to positively affect motivation and energy.
Caption: A look into school focus, and energy: Madison Davis, senior at Mel High School, discusses how early start times affect her and her focus. This interview took place in class, and Davis says “Classes are easy and go by faster with me at Mel-High,” she said. Davis agrees that school times and getting up later help affect her energy and motivation throughout the school day.
Photo credits Paige Allen