Letter from the Superintendent

SLEEP

Did you enjoy the extra hour of sleep?  I definitely did... while I don't love how early it gets dark outside, I always like being able to have the benefit of the extra hour of sleep on the night of the time change.  The reality is I know that I am not the only one who needs more sleep.  "I'm so tired!"  It is a statement that I hear over and over again each day.  Often, I share the exact same feeling and the reality is that sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and yet it is also something we frequently push aside.

The research about the importance of teen's getting sleep has frequently been touted and yet, as I talk to you, it is shocking for me to realize how little sleep many of you are getting.  Lack of sleep is not only exhausting, but it decreases your immune system, makes it more difficult to regulate your emotions, and can mimic the signs of ADHD.  

I wish it was as easy as saying you need to go to bed earlier, but for many of you, your schedules are so packed with homework, studying, sports, clubs, and other activities that it is hard to make everything fit into the window of time that you have between the end of the school day and a "reasonable" bedtime.  Additionally, many students have talked about the fact that it is hard for them to go to sleep once they go to bed because their mind races, they think of "one more thing" they need to do, or they lose track of time while texting late into the night.  And, although it isn't easy, sleep is important!

I am NOT a morning person and I never have been.  When I was in school the only reason I got up when I did is so I didn't have to eat cold eggs (because who likes cold eggs?)!  My mom had a great trick to get me to out of bed, but that is not the moral of this story!  Sleep is important! It is one of your most basic needs, and when you are not getting enough of it, there are consequences. If you are too tired, it is impossible to think straight and do a good job with studying or homework or whatever else you might have going on. 

I think that most of us could benefit from getting more sleep.  So, at least for now, enjoy the bonus of the extra hour of sleep from last night and try to plan accordingly so that you can continue to get as much extra sleep as possible every night.

Sleep well Lexington!