Students at Palatine High School are being dangerously affected by a lack of sleep everyday. Whether it’s due to sports, activities, homework, or family, there is a real problem with the amount of sleep high school students are getting each night. The effects are extreme, and sometimes, permanent.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania show that people who get less than 5 hours of sleep each night feel increasingly sad, angry, and mentally exhausted.

“Honestly, I’m just in so much pain. I don’t sleep and I can’t focus” Samantha Imlay, a sophomore at Palatine High School, said. “I feel so tired and over with my life.”

School administrators also recognize how school work is affected by a lack of sleep.

“In order to function in your classes, you need that rest and fuel for your body.” Judith Locher, a counselor at Palatine, said. “I think that there is a direct correlation between students who get more sleep having better grades and better performance in school.”

A study at Harvard University shows that the “quantity and quality of sleep have a profound impact on learning and memory”. This is because students can’t focus due to their brain’s not functioning efficiently.

“I feel that when I don’t get enough sleep, I come to school and I’m drowsy, lazy, and not focused.” student Soraya Elhoumaidi said. “I can’t concentrate on any of the work that I’m doing.”

The truth is that a lack of sleep causes severe psychological and physiological issues that directly affect students in school and at home. There isn’t a magic cure to having quality sleep, but some tips that may help include having a sleep schedule, planning out the day, and taking 20 minute power naps frequently. Small steps, researchers say, can drastically help students be productive and devoted to school, all the while also getting the sleep they deserve.