In recent years, sleep experts have warned teenagers of the dangers of sleep deprivation. Most experts recommend getting nine hours of sleep per night. Despite this, a 2007 poll by the National Sleep Foundation on teen sleep patterns found that only 20 percent of teenagers get the recommended amount of sleep every night. The study also showed that 50 percent of those polled get drowsy at the wheel, 25 percent sleep in class and 38 percent nap on average twice a week. 14 percent were late or absent from class due to oversleeping. "Sleep affects how we look, feel and perform on a daily basis," according to the National Sleep Foundation's Web site. Although the negative effects of drowsiness and lethargy are well known amongst students, the necessity of sleep remains a question for many teens.

The reasons for sleep deprivation are often academic. "A combination of homework and [video production] makes me get about five to six hours of sleep," sophomore Jacob Neugass said. Other students reported a similar experience.

In contrast, sophomores Charlie Chang and Lara Fromherz said they do fine with fewer than nine hours of sleep. "[I get] about eight hours," Chang said. "It's enough to focus in school and do cross-country." However, Fromherz still experiences some fatigue. "I still usually fel tired when I stumble into class, because getting up at 6:45 a.m is a big contrast to [my] normal weekend wake-up time." she said. What these students may not know, however, is that lack of sleep may affect academic performance most of all.

The reason has to do with the sleep cycle. The sleep state goes through two main phases during the night, each serving specific functions for the body and brain. It begins with the Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) phase, which makes up 75 percent of sleep time. During the NREM phase, growth hormones are released, blood pressure and body temperature drop and energy is restored. The phase primarily serves to recover the daily loss of physical energy and increase blood flow to the muscles. However, it does not rejuvenate the brain. This state lasts five hours.

The Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase makes up the other 25 percent of sleep time. During this phase, blood surges to the brain and muscles become completely immobile. The REM state does not integrate into the sleep prominently until approximately seven uninterrupted hours have gone by. Therefore, students getting six and a half hours of sleep usually have less focus in the coming day. The REM phase is also characterized by dreaming. Many experts believe dreaming is crucial to understanding challenges in daily life. For example, some research shows that dream activities can address issues that an individual may be struggling with in a conscious state. Often dreams can help individuals address problems they would otherwise be afraid to confront.