PE HOMEWORK

“Well Rested”

Proper sleep is one of the most important health routines that you can have. However, on average,

teenagers get about two hours less sleep than they need. Teenagers need about 8–10 hours of sleep a

night on a regular basis. Lack of sleep can lead to an increase in injury, obesity, depression, mood

swings, and other harmful effects. Those who do not get enough sleep struggle to concentrate and to

remember important information. To worsen matters, teenagers also tend to have irregular sleep patterns

during the week. On the weekends, teens are likely to stay up later and then sleep in. This can affect their

natural sleeping patterns. In addition, teenagers are at the highest risk for falling asleep behind the wheel

of a car—and drowsy driving is almost as dangerous as drunk driving.

When transitioning from a child to a teenager, the body naturally shifts toward later sleeping times and

thus later waking times. However, school times usually shift to an earlier schedule during the same time

frame. During this same stage of life, students may become more and more involved in after-school

activities and have more homework. This sometimes forces students stay up later. All of these factors can

contribute to a reduced number of sleeping hours. Teens today also use more electronic devices on a

regular basis. Studies have shown that light from electronic devices can disrupt sleep and make it more

difficult to fall asleep when you want to.

There are several things you can do to become more rested and have better sleep. First, make sure that

your sleeping area is quiet and dark. Even light from the streetlight outside a window can affect sleep. Get

room-darkening curtains for windows, or cover them with construction paper to block out light. Next, limit

sugar and caffeine intake, and avoid drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. In addition to the harmful

effects of alcohol and nicotine, both substances can affect sleep. Then, make a regular sleep schedule

and stick to it, even on the weekends. As you form this habit, you should find it easier and easier to fall

asleep. Also be sure to wrap up all homework at the end of the day and make preparations for the

morning. If you prepare ahead of time, you will feel more relaxed at night and have more time in the

morning. Finally, turn off electronic devices at least an hour before attempting to go to sleep, and avoid

watching TV to fall asleep. If you have tried these steps and are still struggling with sleep or do not feel

well rested, it might be time to consult a doctor.