Did you know that the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers is around eight to ten hours! It may seem almost impossible to get that much with all the things us teenagers have to deal with. Many of us feel like we are drowned in school work, have to pull all nighters, have to participate in clubs, need to be there at sports, etc... and where is even the time to do anything that we may find enjoyable? However, not getting enough sleep could lead to stress, and do some damage on your heart. The CDC even found that many adults who don't get their recommended amount of sleep are linked to having health problems like asthma, heart attacks, and depression. All those things put people even more at risk for a diseased heart, heart attacks, strokes, blood pressure issues, obesity, and type two diabetes. Those are not things to be taken lightly. So, how can you make yourself have a better sleeping experience? It is recommended to be out in the sunlight throughout the day, get enough exercise and activity, try staying on a sleep schedule, avoid using your phone before bed because of the blue light (also eye doctors say those blue light glasses do nothing!), avoid ingesting food and beverages before you go to sleep (water should be fine though!), many people feel they sleep better when their room is cold, and there is no light or noise. Another issue for the heart is stress. Many of us face stress daily especially since we are currently living in a global pandemic. As we know, when we are stressed we are not the best version of ourselves. When faced with stress, many of us do things that we wouldn't normally do if we were not experiencing stress. A lot of times when a person experiences stress, they avoid the things that are good for them and instead do the opposite. It is important that when you are stressed you avoid the urge to use mood altering substances (unless directed otherwise by a doctor), over eat, etc... instead consider talking to a parent or guardian, a doctor, a therapist, a school counselor, and/or friends. Some great ways to deal with stress include mediating, doing the things you love, getting outside, doing physical activities, winding down by taking a shower or bath, and so much more! Remember if you are struggling, things will hopefully get better for you shortly!

Works Cited:

1. "How Does Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/sleep.htm.
2. "Sleep in Middle and High School Students." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/students-sleep.htm.
3. "Stress and Heart Health." www.heart.org, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/stress-and-heart-health.