People who lack sleep find it difficult to function. But consistent lack of sleep can lead to greater health issues such heart disease, obesity, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. 

“Students who lack sleep are more moody and irritable. They sometimes tend to start falling asleep when they normally would not,” said Ms.Taylor, math teacher.

People with anxiety tend to experience more sleep disturbances. They find it hard to fall and stay asleep. But those who do not have anxiety and begin to experience sleep deprivation may develop feelings of anxiety said Nurse Broome.

“I don’t have the energy I usually have. Then I become too lazy to do stuff,” said Luana Reyes Castro, seventh grader, when explaining how she feels when she does get enough shut eye.

Poor sleep can make it much more difficult to cope with even relatively minor stress. When we lack sleep, our patience level goes down and little things become major sources of frustration.

“Not being able to focus is my biggest struggle, when I don’t get enough sleep” said Sydney Nichols, seventh grader.

Sleep problems are particularly common in patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to Harvard Medical school.

“A lot of times, I hear that students are up either playing video games or they are up on Facetime with their friends until the early morning. There are those few who I have come across that their home life, like parents yelling a lot or fighting a lot, causes stress on the child. This affects their sleeping patterns,” said Taylor.

Sleep has an important restorative function in recharging the brain at the end of each day. That’s why getting a good night’s rest isn’t only important for your mental state, but your physical and emotional state as well, according to the Priory Hospital.