Sleep is the most mismanaged function in our daily schedules, which is ironic, considering that it is also the most vital. Sleep is directly proportional to all aspects of health. Inadequate sleep patterns lead to irritability the first few days and deteriorating brain functions if it becomes a common occurrence. A human’s mental, cardiovascular and immune system health are all dependent on a healthy 8-9 hours of sleep.
Sleep is even more integral in the formative years of our lives, that is, the teenage years. Teenagers are active and performing more often than not. A lot is expected from them – in school, sports, social situations and their own interests. Adequate rest is essential to cope with these expectations. There is science behind all of this: sleep deprivation affects the frontal lobe of the brain which is responsible for impulse control, which results in engagement with high-risk activities. Any physical activities while sleep deprived may lead to accidents, distractedness seeps into everything and ultimately the teenager’s emotional health is compromised. Sleep also stimulates both the analytical and creative parts of the brain and failure to keep these parts healthy will indubitably culminate, in addition to the aforementioned effects, into a declining academic performance. In fact research shows, the overall course grades for students averaging 6 and ½ hours of sleep were down 50 percent in their grades as opposed to other students who averaged just one hour more sleep.
There are a plethora of reasons for the fact that those who need it most often receive the least amount of sleep. Many times, adolescents may be affected by obstructive sleep apnea, which causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep or insomnia. Addiction to social media may also result in less sleep; a study conducted by Charles Czeisler explains how the artificial blue light given off by smartphones activates arousing neurons in the brain. Hence, these chemicals disrupt the body’s ability to produce melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. But for the most part, data shows that sleep deprivation is caused due to the pressure to perform well academically. There is homework, tests and ultimately exams to deal with. If the daily workload surpasses the speed they work at, sleep is the first to be compromised. For some students, the night is the only free time they get and eager to extend it as long as possible, they stay up, knowing that nothing awaits them in the morning except for more work. Exams produce the most stress in teenagers. A decrease is seen in the number of sleep hours with the days of approaching exams.
This gives rise to a conundrum since poor academic performance leads to stress and pressure to work harder- resulting in lack of sleep and poor sleep schedules in turn lead to worsening of academic performance. Once one enters into this paradox it becomes difficult to get out. This pattern becomes increasingly evident.
With exam season upcoming for several students, implementing strict guidelines to maintain their sleep must not be forgotten. It is important to maintain a stable sleep schedule and set aside separate slots for study, exercise and rest, without letting those cross.
Very informative 👌