Why Sleep?

In today’s fast-paced world, sleep is often neglected for work and social commitments. Whether it’s studying all night to cram for an exam the next day or staying out late with friends knowing you have to be up early, giving up sleep is a common trade-off people make. However, sleep isn’t a luxury that can be ignored—it’s a necessity.

Getting enough sleep is essential for feeling rested and maintaining overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, while teens need 8 to 10 hours. Lack of sleep has been linked to a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, and weakened immune function. Sleep also plays a vital role in memory consolidation, cognitive performance, and emotional regulation.

While it can feel impossible to balance school, work, sports practice, relationships, and still get 7–9 hours of sleep every night, it’s all about prioritization. For example, scrolling on social media or playing video games for hours could be traded for some extra sleep. Scrolling on your phone before going to sleep actually makes it harder to fall asleep. This is because phones emit blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production—a hormone that regulates sleep—and in turn, make it harder to fall asleep. Trading TikTok or Instagram reels for a book is an easy way to guarantee better quality sleep.

In the end, sleep should be treated with the same importance as nutrition and exercise. Making conscious choices to prioritize rest can improve not only your physical health but also your mood, focus, and productivity. The next time you think about sacrificing sleep, remember that those extra hours of rest may be the key to performing better and feeling your best.