On average, only 1 out of 10 teenagers gets the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night. This means that around 70-80% of high school students are not getting the rest their bodies need to function properly. According to a 2023 study by the CDC, 77% of students reported getting less than the recommended amount of sleep. This widespread issue leads to chronic sleep deprivation, which can result in serious long-term health consequences such as cognitive impairment and weakened immune systems. Sleep deprivation also affects the brain’s ability to function effectively. Students rely on their brains constantly, whether they are taking assessments, learning new material, or completing everyday tasks. A typical school day runs from about 8:00 A.M. to 2:30 or 3:00 P.M., totaling nearly 7 hours a day, five days a week. In addition to this, students often have at least an hour of homework, not including time spent studying. This raises an important question: Does it ever stop? The short answer is no.
High school students are also encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and community service. While these activities are meant to benefit students’ futures, especially for college applications, they also take up valuable time. Even a single activity can require at least an hour each day, leaving little to no time for relaxation, socializing, or personal interests. As a result, many students stay up later to complete their responsibilities, simply because there are only 24 hours in a day. While extracurriculars may help in the long run, they often come with side effects such as fatigue, stress, and health complications.
In conclusion, high school students would benefit from shorter school days or reduced homework loads. From a perspective, time management can be valuable during this, but it can also not be enough. Maybe the school day hours are fine, but what comes after them is not. It’s a never-ending cycle, especially as you get older. These changes would allow students to get the sleep they need while also giving them time to relax and socialize. Instead of being constantly overwhelmed, students could maintain a healthier balance between school and personal life.
