Are you getting enough sleep? California state law says students have an 8:30 a.m. start for school now. This law was established because research shows that a later start will help students be more productive by getting more sleep in the morning. Even though this law was set starting this school year, students many still are not getting a full night’s rest.

Are you getting at least 8 hours of sleep regularly? Research has found that 73 percent of high school students regularly do not get a healthy amount of sleep. This may be the reason students lack attention in class.

“There are a large number of students that do not get enough sleep. I notice from the expressions on their faces, the drooping eyelids and difficulty with focus and by 5th period many students put their heads down on the desk and sleep. Many students mention to me that they have trouble sleeping or they are up doing video games. I am truly surprised by how students mention that they can’t sleep because of the stress in their lives or because they work jobs and then have to come home and do their homework. I’m afraid that there are a lot more expectations and therefore stress on this generation than when I went through high school,” said math teacher Ms. Joan Clark.

So what is causing this lack of sleep in students? As high school students move through grades the homework load goes up significantly. Aside from this many students do at least one sport or other school activity, which might cause them to come back home late. Some students have to arrive at school early due to most parents having to go to work early.

“I personally don’t get enough sleep because I have to wake up early, catch my bus and if I’m late my teachers get upset at me for being late,” said junior Kayleen Soto.

If you think you’re not getting enough sleep regularly, make sure to go to sleep at a better time to get the full 8 hours of sleep. Sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours can really make a difference for your well being and doing better throughout the day.