Letter to the President

Dear Mr/Madam president, I would like to address a pressing issue that should not be taken lightly, the issue of sleep deprivation. Not only does sleep deprivation cause an increase in stress levels and a decrease of learning capabilities, but it can also be hazardous to one's health. This has become an overwhelming complexity for all those who experience it, and it has come to my attention that sleep deprivation is the biggest problem for students.

My first concern regarding sleep deprivation is the effect it has on students health. It affects anyone who receives less than seven hours of sleep per night. The amount of pressure and stress forced upon students, as well as the amount of sleep students receive, can have a large impact on their physical and mental health. According to Harvard Medical School, sleep deprivation can lead to higher risk of chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. (http://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body) Stress and sleep deprivation can also lead to depression and drug use. Lack of sleep and the stress that it can cause, can greatly affect a student's stability as a young adult.

The amount of sleep a student acquires can also clout their attention span. Many students are unable to concentrate in school due to the amount of homework and sleep they receive. They remain unfocused and unmotivated throughout the day. Teachers then have to deal with communicating concepts to students who are unfocused and burnt out. When students aren’t able to focus and learn, teachers are unable to teach effectively because of the students who can’t pay attention. Students also fall asleep in classes due to sleep deprivation, adding to the stress of the teachers.

The last issue I would like to address is how sleep deprivation affects those of us who drive to school. Sleep deprivation can greatly affect one's capability to drive. According to recent studies drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel causes more than 100,000 car crashes every year. When individuals do not receive enough sleep they are more likely to have an accident or injury. (https://sleepfoundation.org/) Many high school students drive to school and suffer from drowsiness at the wheel.

Sleep deprivation is perceived as a small issue in the eyes of many but it can become a matter of life or death if not taken seriously. It could affect your future by decreasing grades, affecting your driving and profoundly affecting your mood. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly.

Sincerely,

Paige Stottlemyer