Sleep is food for the brain. During sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur. Not getting enough sleep can be harmful. One can look bad, feel moody and perform poorly.

Freshman Tiani Quon said, “Not getting enough sleep makes me feel inactive and lethargic. I usually have a hard time paying attention in class.”

Lack of sleep can make it hard to get along with family and friends and hurt scores on school exams, on the court or on the field. When teens do not get enough sleep, they are more likely to have an accident, injury or illness. Sleep is vital to one’s well-being. It can help teens eat better and manage the stress of being a teen.

Freshman Christina Nguyen said, “Getting enough sleep is very important to me because it allows me to be more concentrated in school and it helps me be in a good mood.”

Poor sleep habits can sometimes precede insomnia symptoms and various sleep disorders or symptoms of something deeper. Bad sleep habits can create residual sleep deprivation and carve deep behaviors teens could struggle later be to free of.

Sleep disturbances in adolescence may lead to high cholesterol, high blood pressure and being overweight later in life. Not getting enough sleep can limit the ability to learn, listen, concentrate or solve problems.

Research shows that lack of sleep affects mood and a depressed mood can lead to lack of sleep.

Freshman Brianne Agcaoili said, “Whenever I don’t get enough sleep, I am usually really lazy and in a grumpy mood.”

To combat this cycle, sleep experts recommend that teens prioritize sleep and focus on healthy sleep habits. Teens can start by getting the 8 to 9 hours of sleep they need each night, keeping consistent sleep and wake schedules on school nights and weekends,  and opting for relaxing activities such as reading or taking a warm shower or bath before bed instead of turning on the TV or computer.