Many people get less sleep than they need each night. Some are distracted by their phones or television because the light from these devices affects their pineal gland, a small organ, from releasing a sleep hormone called melatonin, according to Sleep.org.
Many teachers and students at Benjamin Carson High School suffer from a lack of sleep. Some described getting less than eight hours of sleep.
“I only get six or seven hours of sleep,” said physics teacher Brooke Borwell. “I’m sleep deprived.”
“I try to shoot for seven hours,” said algebra teacher Sarah Murphy, “I totally know it affects me.”
“ I get mostly eight hours of sleep. I stay up all night playing video games or be on my phone,” said freshman Randell Albert.
“I average through the week seven hours of sleep,” said chemistry teacher Helene Barton.
“I usually get six hours of sleep,” said freshman Tywan Lawrence. "Because of homework and waking up at 6 a.m.”
Some students are well rested, though.
“ I get roughly nine hours of sleep,” said junior Shelnesha Taylor
Some teachers don’t get enough sleep due to their schedules, while others make up their sleep time.
“Individually I schedule too many things in one day,” said Borwell.
“When I don’t get enough sleep, I take a nap for two to three hours of sleep” said Barton, “My routine when I was young was to come home from school and take a nap until my parents came home.”
Lack of sleep can cause many problems for both students and teachers.
“I totally know it affects me” said Murphy, “I know when I have less than seven hours of sleep, I don't think as fast and I am a little meaner.”
“I fall asleep in class and don't focus on work,” said Albert.
“If I don't get enough sleep my brain won't focus like it’s supposed to,” said Lawrence. “In order to do everything someone’s suppose to do, your brain has to be on the same pace as your body.”
“When I'm tired I know I forget things,” said Borwell. “Students aren't able to learn if they’re tired.”
“If you don’t get enough sleep it causes you not be alert and pay attention,” said Barton. “ Your brain needs to get a certain amount of rest to reset.”
However, some students find that sleep is not a problem for them.
“It doesn’t affect me that much,” said Taylor. “I don’t lack sleep, but if I did it would be my own fault.”
