After a six month break due to COVID-19, students are finally back in school but with a slight twist; some students are now learning virtually. Students are quickly noticing a dramatic change in their sleep schedules. With not much to do outdoors, teens are spending their evenings sleeping with their nights filled with video games and social media, resulting in teachers having a virtual class full of sleeping students.
Senior Dai’Jon Campbell, who works two jobs and participates in Midnight Golf, is frustrated with his new abnormal sleep schedule. With Campbell not being a morning person, he said it is extremely difficult waking up at 8 a.m. for his first period. Being out of school for so long, he continues to do his everyday routine even during virtual school hours.
“If it was up to me, I would wake up at 1 p.m. every day,” Campbell said. “I am in the shower, watching TV, sleeping, or eating all while being in class.”
Many students never come on camera because they are still in bed with their computer or phone. Being in the comfort of your bed increases the possibility of falling asleep.
Senior Diamond Shelly said: “The hardest thing to do is stay awake during my online classes because I am always in my bed. It's something that I should adapt to, but it is harder than I thought.”
Even elementary and middle school students are having these same issues.
Fifth Grader Jai’Ion Huguely at Plymouth Educational Center has the same online struggles.
“It is hard for me to pay attention in class," ,” Huguely said. "I almost always find myself dozing off even when I switch to working at the kitchen table."
Students are trying to adjust to their new normal, which is virtual learning. Sleep schedules have been altered during this pandemic. Students and teachers are learning as they go, even if that means hitting the snooze button more than one time.
Seventh grader Jaslinn Simpson, who also attends Plymouth, said her schoolwork isn't the issue, it is how much trouble she has getting to sleep at night. She often finds herself spending hours on her cellphone, sometimes all night.
“I would rather at least wake up later for school,” Simpson said.
