04/08/2026
You are probably not getting enough sleep. Nearly 80% of high school students do not get the recommended amount of sleep, which can lead to big problems. Disrupted sleep can increase mood swings, irritability, depression and make us bad at problem-solving. Sleep impacts nearly every part of us; our bodies, our minds, and our behaviors. Healthy sleep helps us regulate our emotions and allows our brain to function properly. Take steps now to protect your sleep with these tips.
• Set a realistic bedtime and aim to stick to it, even on weekends when you can.
• Give yourself 30 minutes to wind down before bed. Try a shower, some chill music, or a few pages of something you actually enjoy reading.
• Keep your routine consistent so your body learns the rhythm and starts winding down on its own.
• Try keeping your phone out of reach for that last hour.
• Watch your caffeine in the afternoon. Try to cut it off around 2-3 pm, so it's out of your system by bedtime.
• Skip late naps if you can. Napping after 4 pm can throw off your body clock and make it harder to fall asleep at night.