There is a common war going on through all high schools, a war between AP classes and sleep. Most students, if not all, will receive less sleep than the recommended nine hours, which affects their grades, attitudes, and health.

Districts, such as Los Angeles Unified School District, have viewed these impediments. According to the web article, Why school should start later in the day, some schools have been adopting a later start time and have witnessed better test scores, grades, and attendance, but the opposing side claimed the new time clashed with after school activities, like sports, and in short, cost a lot of money when schools are already on budgets.

Since the hours are remaining the same, students will regain the lack of sleep by resting in class.

“I do see a relationship of the kids that fall asleep in my class have a lower average,” said Kathy Boggio, an AP Psychology teacher.

Students have a biological clock, called the circadian rhythm, which dictates when a student will wake up and fall asleep. While the school will start early, a student is not fully awake during this time. According to Sleepfoundation.org,  “when it is time to wake up for school, the body says it is still the middle of the night, and he or she has had too little sleep to feel rested and alert.”

Students sacrifice sleep to do well in AP classes, a recent poll of fifty random students at SJHHS shows that the average amount of sleep was recorded at six hours, when the required amount for teens is nine and a half.

The symptoms of a lack of sleep a student can face include, “emotional and behavioral problems such as irritability, depression, poor impulse control and violence” (Sleepfoundation.org).

When asked which she considered more important, sleep or studies, senior Jackie Muñiz who is taking three AP classes, said, “Depends, but usually studies.” Other students have also said they have stayed up at night to complete AP homework or studies.

Dedicated students who are willing to work late into the night and stay awake during the actual classes have a higher risk of getting sick, experiencing depression, and have a “limited ability to learn, listen, and concentrate” (Sleepfoundation.org).

Which is considered worse? Getting a lack of sleep and affecting how you do academically or getting more sleep but having more stress due to studying and assignments?

According to senior Laura Sterns who is currently taking four AP’s classes, “You need to [have a] balance because if you stay up too late you won’t do quality work. Sometimes it’s better to go to bed and wake up earlier so you’re refreshed. You’ll be better [able] to retain information.”

Other students agree with the statement.

“More sleep will help you better on focusing and performance,” said senior Naomi Donato, who is also taking classes at Saddleback College along with four high school AP classes.

Although the school is still on its normal 6:54am for zero and 7:54am for the non zero period starting time, a student can make the effort to get closer to the recommended amount of sleep. This includes trying to finish work in class, studying in the library, going to bed at a set time that the body will accept, and waking up a little earlier to finish any remainder work or studies. If a student is struggling to fall asleep at night, they can consider turning off all light sources, listening to white noise, having lavender near, eating a light snack, and turning electronics off at least an hour before bed.

In the end, a student can try to get more sleep while taking AP classes by planning out a set time to go to bed, trying to get work done at school, having a dark room to fall asleep in, and try to get the necessary eight hours of sleep throughout the year.