The Sleep-Deprived Teen Epidemic: Why Your All-Nighters Are Hurting More Than Your GPA By: Anushka Bhatt

 

The Sleep-Deprived Teen Epidemic: Why Your All-Nighters Are Hurting More Than Your GPA

By: Anushka Bhatt

Let’s be honest: when was the last time you got 8 full hours of sleep? No, scrolling on TikTok until 2 a.m. and crashing doesn’t count.

If you’re like most teens, you’re running on caffeine, deadlines, and vibes. But did you know that sleep deprivation actually affects your mood, memory, immune system, and even your mental health?

According to the CDC, teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but most of us are barely hitting 6. That’s a problem. Not just because we’re tired — but because our brains are still developing. Sleep is when our brains literally file memories, repair stress damage, and help regulate emotion.

Lack of sleep has been directly linked to:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
  
  

• Poor academic performance
  
  

• Mood swings and irritability
  
  

• Increased risk-taking behavior (yes, even that dumb decision you made last weekend)
  
  

Want to fix it? Start with one small change:

• Power down screens 30 min before bed
  
  

• Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time daily
  
  

• Skip energy drinks — they wreck your sleep cycle
  
  

Better sleep = better mood, clearer thinking, and more energy for literally everything. You deserve rest. Your brain does too.
(Source: CDC - Teens and Sleep)