How Many Hours Should Students Sleep?

Don't fall asleep in class.

The Need for Sleep

The need for eight or more hours of sleep in a 24 hour period in order to function well is addressed by Saundra Cicarelli, Ph.D and Glenn Meyer, Ph.D in their textbook on psychology. Sufficient routine sleeping patterns are important for memory and the ability to process information. Sleep patterns will change throughout life according to age, with young people needing the most sleep, say Ciccarelli and Meyer.

The Time for Sleep

Many people have schedules or habits that prevent getting a good night's sleep. Teenagers may push back their bedtimes by socializing, watching television, playing games or even studying while still required by school schedules to wake up early. Extracurricular activities and part-time jobs are also almost normal requirements of the modern adolescent, leaving less than enough time for adequate sleeping patterns.

Bottom Line

Get more routine sleep. According to Texas A & M's Student Health Services Fact Sheet, lack of sleep can result in health problems, impaired ability to perform tasks with memory, learning and logical reasoning, absenteeism from work or school, tension, depression and confusion, generally lower life satisfaction, more frequent use of caffeine, marijuana, alcohol and other stimulants, and increased risk of unintentional injuries and death.

References

• "Psychology"; Saundra K. Ciccarelli, Glen E. Meyer; 2006
• "Sleep Thieves"; Stanley Coren; 1996, pg. 120
• Texas A&M University: Sleep and the College Student