If you’ve ever tried desperately to stay awake in class, yet uncontrollably felt your eyes shutting, or sat down to do homework and woke up hours later with nothing completed, then you’re definitely not alone. You were probably kicking yourself, wondering why you couldn’t have just stayed awake. But you simply couldn’t help it. Students at Lexington High School take pride in how hard they work and how much they accomplish in a single day. People even tend to brag about how little sleep they get. However, nobody wants to be snoozing through time meant for productivity. People are constantly tired and have no idea why. The truth is, many things can cause exhaustion, such as your exercise habits, what and when you eat, your screentime, the pressure of school, and the quality of your sleep. These factors all quietly affect how tired you feel. Fortunately, there are ways to solve it.
The reasoning behind this lethargy is complicated. One explanation is exercise habits. Getting a healthy amount of exercise each day reduces stress, increases overall sleep quality, and can even reduce insomnia. However, exercising excessively can produce adverse effects, diminishing sleep quality and raising heart rate, body temperature, and muscle tension. On the other hand, not exercising at all results in poor heart rate and fatigue. Ultimately, healthy exercise habits relieve that endless sleepy feeling.
Diet is also a contributing factor to fatigue. Not eating enough can make your body weak. However, overeating or having a large meal can cause a blood sugar spike and the tendency to “crash” (suddenly fall into a food coma). I like to come home and have a big snack, but nutritious foods must be spaced out throughout the day. Doing so gives your body a more sustainable supply of energy that is enough to keep you running.
Additionally, the quality of your sleep is affected by your screen usage. Phones, laptops, and TVs all radiate blue light, which signals to your brain that it’s still daytime. Scrolling or texting friends (even in bed) keeps your mind alert when it should be slowing down for sleep. Bad quality sleep leads to drowsiness the next day, and the cycle spirals. You’re constantly tired, but don’t even realize that your screen may be causing it. Instead, try spending 30 minutes reading before bed rather than having phone time. Additionally, keep your phone away from your bed, preferably on a desk or drawer. This takes self-control, but try your best, and your future self will thank you!
The reality in Lexington is that the academic pressure normalizes and even encourages the “I got four hours of sleep last night” culture. It is seen as a sign of intelligence or determination. However, if you don’t want to fall asleep while trying to catch up, prioritize rest. Try not to study late at night, as your brain won’t retain the information effectively anyways. Remember that sleep improves academic performance.
Finally, keep in mind that consistency is key. These suggestions will not work if used only one night. They must be implemented in your life to stop the never-ending fatigue. Once they become a habit and you start to see results, you’ll never go back!
