Of All Things - Get Some ZZZZs

Beauty sleep actually works. The old saying “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” isn’t just folklore; and, when it comes to sleep, eight is not always enough. The National Sleep Foundation says teenagers need between eight hours and 30 minutes and nine hours and 15 minutes of sleep a night to function at their best. Most teens only get seven hours and 15 minutes a night. The dangers of sleep deprivation include irritability, difficulty concentrating, greater risk for accidents, and a reduced energy level.

Here are a few tips from the NSF for healthier sleeping habits:

Establish a consistent schedule for the time you go to bed and wake up.
Learn how much sleep you need to awake feeling refreshed, and be sure to get it.
As soon as you get out of bed, get into some daylight. Light helps our bodies know when it’s time to wake up.
Schedule some “down time” before you go to bed, so you can be relaxed enough to fall asleep.
Don’t fall asleep with the TV on. The flickering light will interfere with your restful sleep. Better yet, don’t delay bedtime to watch TV or surf the Internet.
Always avoid all-nighters. A good night’s sleep will be of more use to you on a test than last-minute cramming will.
Never drive when you are sleepy.