Why Sleep?

Sleep does more than you might think. Most teens need about 8 ½ - 9 hours of sleep each night which can feel like a lot when your days are already full. School, work, activities, and stress can make it harder to get enough rest. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Even when being tired starts to feel normal, sleep still affects how you feel and function each day. Here are a few ways sleep can make a difference.

• A More Stable Mood: When you’re not getting enough sleep, stress or anxious feelings can feel heavier. Small things might bother you more than usual, or it may feel harder to shake a low mood. Sleep can play a role in how steady your emotions feel. Getting enough rest may help things feel a little calmer and easier to handle.
• Better Memory: The quality of your sleep can affect your academic performance. When you have more sleep you are able to think more clearly and memorize facts more easily.
• Improved Decision Making and Focus: Getting enough sleep can affect how clearly you think the next day. When you’re rested, it may feel easier to sort through your thoughts and stay focused. Being overtired can make everything feel foggier. More sleep can help your thinking feel sharper.
• Body Repairs: Your body fixes and mends things overnight. While you are sleeping, your stomach, immune system, and skin are all recovering and getting ready for the next day. Getting more sleep can help your body feel more balanced overall.