As summer is approaching, we realize how much this allotted time off of school has been long-awaited by just about everybody. After a grueling year of tests, homework assignments, projects, and now, zoom classes, I’d imagine that everyone wants to take a much-needed break. Some people choose to spend their summers catching up on all the hours of sleep they missed while others make the best of the time off.

We spent the whole year on our computers, and yet during the summer, we see no problem with continuing that cycle of self-isolation with nothing but our electronic devices. Summer is supposed to be the time to go outside, seek new opportunities and adventures, and experience new things because we never realize how fast that time truly goes by. Staying up all night for the first time is like a rite of passage for the summer, whether you’re out with your friends creating new memories, or simply in your room by yourself, messing around with sleep schedules is another classic summer happening. 

That ‘rite of passage’ however, is seen as a problem by school administrators as they witness their students struggle to revert back to their normal sleep schedules. ‘Our students seem to have had a great summer… but at what cost?” As students head back to school and struggle with getting to know their new teachers, and catch up with all the new academic expectations, getting back onto their old sleep schedule should be a top priority to maximize their productivity for the new school year. 

Your biological clock, more specifically your circadian rhythm, is your natural sleep cycle that runs on the 24-hour clock. It also makes sure your body stays alert and active during the daytime and drowsy and sleepy during the nighttime, due to the influx of melatonin production. Suppose that a student stays up late all night finishing a project rather than going to sleep right at 10 PM like they usually do. Not only will they struggle to stay productive during the day, but it’ll be difficult to go to sleep at 10 PM the next day. 

Usually, a week or two before school starts up again, it’s normal to hear your parents telling you to ‘go to sleep early tonight so you can get used to waking up for school.’ It’s an iconic line that reminds you of the dreaded time of year once you realize that summer is finally ending. Regardless, this is your time as students to stay healthy, well-rested, and have fun while doing it. 

Get out there and make some new memories! Have a great summer, Firebirds!