By Kaitlyn Whiteman & Frehiwot Gebreyesus, Clarion Staff reporters

As an adolescent, you are constantly pushing yourself to be your best. You work long hours, make tough decisions, and are always on the go. However, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to make sure you are getting enough sleep.
The consequences of sleep deprivation for adolescents can be significant.
It can lead to poor decision-making, reduced productivity, and increased stress levels. It can also damage your relationships with your team, as you may become more irritable and less patient.
On the other hand, getting enough sleep can have a profound positive impact on your living. It can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, You will be better able to handle stress, make sound decisions, and inspire your peers. Getting enough sleep also allows your body to repair and rejuvenate itself, which can help you stay healthy and avoid burnout.
What can adolescents do to get enough sleep?
Make sleep a priority.
Just like you schedule meetings and other important tasks, schedule time for sleep. Make a commitment to yourself to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep-wake cycle and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. Avoid watching TV or working on the computer in the hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleep.
Before bed, avoid caffeine (and alcohol in later years).
Both of these substances can interfere with sleep.
Time your exercise
Exercise regularly, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Exercise can help improve sleep quality, but it is important to give your body time to wind down before you go to sleep.
See a doctor if you have trouble sleeping. There may be an underlying medical condition that is interfering with your sleep. By making sleep a priority, you can improve your overall health and well-being, and be a more effective person. You will thank yourself when you get older!
Sources:
Sleep in Middle and High School Student -- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Archive
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