Helping Soffer Sleep Schedules: Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think

By: Alexia Revah

At our school, students have demanding schedules filled with advanced classes, extracurricular activities, jobs, and social commitments. In the process, sleep is often sacrificed. After speaking with several students, it became clear that many are not getting the recommended amount of rest, and it is affecting them more than they realize.

“I usually go to bed around 1 a.m. because I’m finishing homework,” sophomore Lorenzo G. shared. “By the time I wake up, I already feel tired.” Lorenzo’s experience reflects a common pattern. Students stay up late trying to keep up academically, only to begin the next day already exhausted. Starting the day fatigued makes it harder to focus, participate, and retain information in class.

Junior Alexandria K., who participates in after school sports, explained, “After practice and assignments, I’m lucky if I get five hours of sleep.” Her schedule highlights another challenge. Student athletes often push their bodies physically while also managing academic pressure. Without enough sleep, recovery becomes difficult, which increases both stress and physical strain.

Health experts recommend that teenagers get eight to ten hours of sleep each night. However, most of the students I interviewed reported averaging only five to six hours. Chronic sleep deprivation can impact concentration, memory, mood stability, and overall academic performance. Over time, it may also contribute to anxiety and burnout.

After discussing these concerns, I suggested simple strategies such as limiting phone use before bed, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and completing assignments earlier when possible. Several students said they were willing to make small adjustments.

Sleep may seem less urgent than deadlines or responsibilities, but it directly influences success both in and out of the classroom.