Teens do not get enough sleep. Many consider that a point of pride, staying up all night or coming to school on two hours’ sleep. Others feel that it’s just necessary. They “have” to stay up late. Some of you guys talk about sleep as if it’s a luxury you can’t afford, like getting Yeezy’s or a Supreme hoodie.
Friends, you NEED sleep. Some of you are trying to do more than you should, sacrificing sleep when should just be saying “no” to some of your activities. You could actually feel better, improve your grades, and enjoy life more if you just got consistent sleep.
Sleep Makes You Smarter
Your brain needs rest. It actually processes information while you sleep! Conversely, a lack of sleep slows your brain down. It inhibits your ability to focus in class, to retain information, and to think critically. Being awake and focused in class can actually decrease the amount of study time you need. When you are focused on actively listening in class, you’ll learn the information (imagine that!), and then all you have to do is review your notes for the test rather than having to stay up all night to teach yourself the material you slept through.
Sleep Makes You Healthier
Your body needs rest. You can hurt yourself if you’re tired – especially if you’re driving while tired. But even even outside a car, people hurt themselves significantly more often when tired than when alert. Lack of sleep has been shown to lead to obesity and diabetes. People who are chronically sleepy have higher risks for just about every health problem, in fact, from heart attacks to strokes. Healthy people take care of their bodies – and getting proper sleep is just as important as getting proper nutrition and exercise.
Sleep Makes You Happier
Your soul needs rest. People who are constantly on the move, always trying to squeeze in “one more thing”, are stressed out people. And stressed out people are not happy. In fact, studies show a link between sleep deprivation and depression. When we’re tired, our moods are affected, so we tend to be more short-tempered. Our patience wears thin, and people annoy us more. We struggle with loving others (which should be one of our primary concerns) when we’re tired. Additionally, our judgment is impaired. We can make stupid, sinful decisions when tired that we might not make if we were alert and thinking more clearly.
Even God rested on the 7th Day! Not because He needs sleep, but as a model for us. WE NEED SLEEP. When our bodies are rested, our minds and our souls are ready to serve and to learn and love.
And we need consistent sleep – not 4 hours one night and 10 the next. You can’t be all God has called you to be when you’re walking around exhausted. So let go of the excuses – and the phone, Netflix, video game, even the homework – and go to bed. On time. Every night.
