The Teen ZZZZ Factor
NEIRAD enilno edition
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sleep-deprived teenagers face serious consequences for skipping their zzzs. The effects go beyond mere grumpiness or grogginess. Every function in the body is affected by lack of sleep.
“Some mornings I’m really dragging,” freshmen Chris Brook said. Brook, like many DHS students, has a demanding sports schedule that does not often allow him to get the recommended nine hours rest: “We got back from our meet in Danbury at 10:00pm. I still had to finish some homework, and then get up again at 5:20 for a 5:45am practice."
A typical adolescent's day is crammed with school, homework, sports and Facebook: sleep is not a main priority. A healthy teenager should get 9 to 10 hours of sleep per night but only 80 percent get even a mere six hours.
In a recent ABC News survey, many teen respondents said they get up at 6:30am to get ready for school and do not go to bed until well after 11:00pm. This data puts them well under the recommended amount of sleep.
Inadequate sleep is linked to poor grades, depression, anxiety, and health issues such as poor immunity and improper physical development. Researchers also connect obesity to sleep deprivation.
Wilton High School (WHS) changed its start time from 7:35am to 8:15am in the fall of 2003. WHS Associate Principal Bob O'Donnell says the change has been beneficial to student learning. In an interview with Neirad Enlino, Mr. O’Donnell described his student body as “better rested and more alert in the morning.”
He says students had a positive response to the change despite the fact they get out at 2:50pm which cuts into after school time. "We shouldn't argue with the research and results,” Mr. O'Donnell says. “Teens need all the sleep they can get.”
The Wilton administrator said parents feel their children are a lot less stressed and their work seems to positively reflect this change. "It is natural for teenagers to want to stay up late and sleep in, so it is now in the hands of the schools to create a healthier environment" O'Donnell said.
Darien's first class begins at 7: 40am. One might hear students at Darien High School complain how tired they are throughout the day. Sophomore Laura Durham admits to going to bed around 12:00am. Durham says she is unable to go to bed earlier since she is at gymnastics until 9:30pm. Then when this busy gymnast gets home, she has to begin her homework.
Joseph Hughes, a junior, said he is asleep by 11:00pm and is up at 5:30am to prepare for the school day. Both these teens feel they are always exhausted and have to drink much coffee to kick them into gear.
Since DHS has no plans to change the start time, it is up to the students to go to bed earlier, even if that means taking some time out from Facebook for the greater good of their grades, health, and general well being.
