The Importance of Good Night’s Sleep: Student Sleep Patterns at Morton East High School

The majority of students at Morton East High School are not the sleep they need to be physically and emotionally healthy.

Have you ever wondered how long it should take to fall asleep? According to sleep experts, it typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes to transition from wakefulness to slumber. As we navigate different stages of life, our bodies require varying amounts of slumber. If you experience daytime sleepiness, it’s a sign that you’re not getting enough sleep at night. A random survey of 77 students from Morton East High School revealed that only 18% of them are getting an adequate amount of sleep.

Changing Sleep Needs:
Here’s a general guideline for the amount of sleep needed, depending on age:
– Newborns: 14-17 hours
– Infants: 12-15 hours
– Toddlers: 11-14 hours
– Pre-Schoolers: 10-13 hours
– School-Aged Children: 9-11 hours
– Teenagers: 8-10 hours
– Young Adults: 7-9 hours
– Adults: 7-9 hours
– Older Adults (65+): 7-8 hours

Individual variations exist, so it’s essential to listen to your body’s cues.

Long-Term Consequences of Sleep Deprivation:
Psychologist James Loerzel points out that “lack of concentration and an increase in irritability become more pronounced when you’re sleep-deprived, and your immune system may become compromised.” Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis can lead to more severe long-term health consequences, including getting sick more often, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.

Tips for Better Sleep:
If you’re having trouble sleeping, consider incorporating regular exercise and mindfulness practices, such as meditation. Additionally, it’s essential to limit screen time before bedtime and keep electronic devices away from your sleeping area. Loerzel recommends that students in school aim for at least 10 hours of sleep.

Student Sleep Patterns at Morton East High School:
Here are some comments from students at Morton East High School:

“On average, I get 5 or 4 hours of sleep. I go to bed around 12 or later and wake up at 5:30. I’ve been following this sleep schedule for 5 years or more, so it doesn’t affect me,” Miel Javier Moreno said.

“I get 7 hours of sleep.  I usually fall asleep at 10 or 11 and I usually wake up at 7. I do nothing I just fall asleep, but I get to put romantic movies to make me sleep,” Andres Robledo said.

Understanding the importance of a good night’s sleep is crucial for students’ well-being. Sleep patterns can vary widely among individuals, but it’s essential to recognize the potential long-term consequences of sleep deprivation and take steps to ensure you are getting enough rest to stay healthy and focused.